Autumn Harvest Delights: Warming Recipes for Cooler Days

As the days get shorter and the weather cools, it's time to revel in the diverse array of autumn vegetables. From robust root vegetables to luscious pumpkins and late-harvest greens, autumn presents a vast array of delectable ingredients. These can be transformed into hearty vegetable soups, roasted vegetables, and many autumn recipes that nourish you and your family during the cooler months. You'll be delighted you planted that extra pumpkin plant in summer.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of our favourite autumn harvest recipes and offer tips on how to make the most of your produce. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie needing pumpkin recipes, this post is for you!

 

Autumn Garden Harvesting: When to Harvest & Storage Tips 

To get started, let's talk about harvesting in your autumn garden. Knowing when to harvest your produce ensures maximum flavour and longevity. Popular autumn produce includes pumpkins, carrots, and late-harvest greens like kale and spinach.

Here are some tips to help you harvest the best autumn vegetables:

- Look for firm, unblemished fruit & vegetables.

- The closest curly tendril to the fruit on the vine will be dried out and brown for vining fruit like pumpkins and melons.

- The pumpkin stalk will also be dried and hardened.

- The pumpkin has a hollow sound when knocked on.

- Brassica heads will be firm and not squishy.

- Harvest leafy greens when they are young and tender.

Once you've reaped the rewards of your autumn garden and efforts, handling your harvest with care is crucial. We suggest storing root vegetables in a cool, dark place and blanching and freezing greens for future use. Pumpkin can be preserved by freezing it after it's been cut into smaller pieces.

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural preservative for pumpkins. By wiping down the outer surface of the pumpkins with apple cider vinegar, you can create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria, thus prolonging their shelf life. This simple trick is a great way to ensure your pumpkins stay fresh and healthy for longer.

 

 

Warming Meals: Roast Vegetable Recipes

One of our favourite ways to enjoy autumn vegetables is by roasting them. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beetroot, pumpkins, and late-harvest greens like brussels sprouts, spinach, and kale are perfect for autumn recipes.

If you're looking for a delicious recipe to try out, consider making roasted vegetables. The following recipes are easy to follow and can be customised to your liking and taste preferences. Give it a try and create a dish that's perfect for you.

- Preheat your oven to 200°C.

- Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in a roasting pan.

- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs.

- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and golden brown.

Serve your roast vegetables as a side dish, or add them to a salad for a warm meal.

 

 

Nourishing: Vegetable Soup Recipe

Another great way to use autumn vegetables is by making a nourishing soup. Soups perfectly combine various vegetables into a warming and comforting meal for the cooler months.

Here's a classic and favourite vegetable soup recipe to get you started:
To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups of vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Your favourite herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to taste

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot in a large pot.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until slightly cooked.
4. Pour enough vegetable stock to completely cover the vegetables and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Once the vegetables are cooked, blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth and creamy.
7. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs to taste.

Serve your soup with crusty bread for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

A helpful tip for a quick and easy lunch is to freeze leftover soup in portions. This way, you can grab and heat a portion whenever you need a quick meal.

Autumnal Harvest Inspiration: Nothing Goes to Waste

With so many bountiful harvests and delicious vegetables in season, it's the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some vegetables that are in season and some autumn recipes that can make the most of their unique and deeply satisfying flavours and textures:

 

- Pumpkins: Roast pumpkin with garlic and sage for a savoury side dish, or puree-cooked pumpkin with coconut milk and spices for a warming soup or curry sauce. Bake into muffins and scones for a delightful treat.

- Parsnips: Roast parsnips with carrots and onions for a sweet, nutty side dish.

- Brassicas: Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup for a sweet and salty side dish, or steam broccoli and cauliflower and toss with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing salad.

- Silver beet: Sauté silver beet with garlic and onions for a simple side dish.

- Kale: Add kale to soups and stews, or make crispy kale chips.

- Spinach: Toss spinach with roasted pumpkin and feta cheese for a hearty salad, or blend it with banana and almond milk for a nutritious smoothie.

- Carrots: Roast carrots with honey and thyme for a sweet and savoury side dish, or add them to a stir-fry for a nutritious meal.

- Beetroot: Roast beetroot with balsamic vinegar and goat cheese for a delicious side dish, or add it to a salad with spinach and walnuts for a nutritious meal.

- Onion: Caramelise onions with balsamic vinegar for a sweet, tangy side dish, or add them to a slow-cooked beef stew for flavour.

- Peas: Add peas to a risotto for a creamy and comforting meal, or toss them with pasta and bacon for a delicious and easy dinner.

- Dill: Add dill to a creamy potato salad for added flavour, or use it to flavour a homemade salad dressing.

- Leeks: Add leeks to a creamy chicken pot pie for added flavour and texture, or use them to make a hearty leek and potato soup.

- Radish: Slice radishes thinly and add them to a cucumber and feta salad for added crunch.

- Kohlrabi: Toss julienne kohlrabi with sesame oil and soy sauce for a refreshing and flavourful salad.

- Microgreens: Add microgreens to a grilled cheese sandwich for added flavour and texture, or use them to top a salad for added nutrition.

 

 

Enjoy Your Autumn Garden: A Season of Abundant Flavours

We hope these recipes and tips have empowered you to make the most of your autumn harvest. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to confidently create your delicious dishes.

If you're looking for even more inspiration, check out Kings Seeds' collection of seeds, guides, and products, including our seed collections. Happy gardening and happy cooking!

 

🌱 Sow ~ Nurture ~ Nourish 🌱