As the crisp air and vibrant hues of autumn settle in, our kitchens call for comforting and hearty ingredients that capture the essence of the season. October is the perfect time to embrace these flavors, highlighting produce that is at its freshest and most flavorful. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or creating savory soups, here are five must-try seasonal ingredients that will elevate your autumn cooking.
Pumpkin
No list of autumn ingredients would be complete without mentioning the king of the season – the pumpkin. This versatile gourd can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. Whether you’re whipping up a classic pumpkin pie, roasting it with spices, or adding it to a creamy soup, pumpkin is a quintessential autumn flavor. Its mildly sweet flesh pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it a perfect base for both desserts and hearty main courses.
Shereen Shafaatulla loves incorporating pumpkin into her fall cooking. “There’s just something about the earthiness and warmth of pumpkin that screams autumn comfort,” she says. One of her favorite recipes is a roasted pumpkin and sage risotto, which is both hearty and packed with flavor.
Butternut Squash
Another autumn staple, butternut squash is a slightly sweet and nutty vegetable that brings warmth and depth to any dish. Its creamy texture when roasted or pureed makes it ideal for soups, casseroles, or even pasta sauces. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious choice for the season.
Shereen suggests using butternut squash in a creamy soup. “A simple butternut squash soup with coconut cream and toasted pumpkin seeds is the ultimate autumn comfort food,” she says, adding that its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with a touch of nutmeg and ginger.
Apples
October is apple season at its finest. Whether you prefer sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or something tart like Granny Smith, apples are perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. From apple pies and crisps to salads and pork dishes, apples add a bright, fresh touch to autumn cooking.
Shereen loves baking with apples, especially in her signature apple crumble. “Baking apples with cinnamon and sugar fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma. I love using Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness,” she shares.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a late autumn star, known for their slightly bitter taste that mellows beautifully when roasted. When caramelized in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they become crispy and tender, a perfect side dish for any fall meal. Shereen recommends adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate the flavor even more.
Pears
Often overshadowed by apples, pears are another excellent fruit to enjoy during the autumn season. Their sweet, juicy texture makes them perfect for desserts like tarts or poached pears. They also pair well with cheese in savory dishes, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Shereen’s go-to dessert for dinner parties in October is a pear and almond tart. “The sweetness of the pears and the nuttiness of the almond frangipane make for a decadent fall treat,” she says.
Final thoughts
Autumn is a season rich with flavors that bring warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re making a cozy soup, roasting vegetables, or baking a dessert, these five seasonal ingredients are sure to add a delicious touch to your October meals. Shereen Shafaatulla encourages everyone to explore these flavors and make the most of this magical culinary season.