The transition between summer and winter – better known as autumn season - is a time of the year when many vegetables are at their peak. Veggies like Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, cauliflower, eggplant, sweet potatoes, beetroot, carrots, and much more, are in abundance.
So, if you’re feeling like making good use of the best this season has to offer, here are some sensational recipes using those great autumn vegetables:
1. Maple and bacon glazed Brussels sprouts
Do you find it hard to get the kids to eat vegetables? We hear you! So, here’s a recipe that’s a sure hit for both the kids and adults in the family. Using Brussels sprouts as the star of the show, cook them in some stock and maple syrup, and sprinkle with chopped bacon. What’s not to love? Find this wonderful vegetable recipe here.
2. Cauliflower pizza
Brace yourself with a unique pizza recipe like no other. If you think you can only use meat or seafood for pizza toppings, think again! Try using minced cauliflower instead, to sneak in some hidden veggies – the kids won’t even notice! Take advantage of the abundance of this autumn vegetable to explore other recipes, but here’s the recipe for this one.
3. Veggie shepherd’s pie with mashed sweet potatoes
Shepherd’s pie without the meat? Yes, it’s possible with this recipe, and a great option if you want to go meat-free occasionally. Loaded with lentils and the best autumn veggies, the filling is a flavour explosion, and the sweet potato mash is a great twist on the usually boring old potato topping. Don’t forget to make some extras as the family will definitely ask for more. Here’s the recipe.
4. Crunchy honey-glazed butternut pumpkin
Everyone will love the crunch from this baked butternut pumpkin topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs and herbs. And the vibrant colour just adds more spark to this wonderful dish. Serve it as a side dish or on its own - there is no way you could go wrong with this recipe.
5. Beetroot, mint, and mozzarella
Nothing beats a combo of mozzarella (everyone’s favourite cheese!), and the season’s best vegetables and herbs, like beetroot, tomatoes, mint, and parsley. Allow plenty of time as you’ll be dry roasting cherry tomatoes for around 90 minutes to slightly dehydrate them. The beetroot can be cooked in the microwave and once everything is cool, it’s simply a matter of arranging on a plate, drizzling over the dressing, scattering herbs and it’s ready to serve. The colour alone of this delicious and healthy salad will be enough to entice you to devour it. Follow the recipe here.
6. Ratatouille
Using the freshest vegetables, ratatouille is a French Provencal dish that originated in Nice. The superstars of the show are aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, capsicum and tomatoes – what’s not to love! Making this dish is super easy and while there are many variations to the dish, we think this tempting ratatouille recipe from Jamie Oliver is one of the best.
7. Spicy root vegetable and lentil casserole
As the weather starts to get a bit chilly in the evenings, it’s nice to have a hot casserole on the table to keep you warm. Now is the best time to whip up a dish with the season’s rich harvest of root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Add lentils and some spices and serve with naan bread for an instant taste of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your own home. And best of all, there’s only 10 minutes of prep time! Get the recipe here.
8. Beef and broccoli ramen stir-fry
We all love Chinese food but forget about dining out and try this recipe on for size. It’s definitely a must-try dish this season when broccoli is plentiful and at its peak. Use sirloin steak for the beef ingredient and cook the ramen noodles al-dente, envelope it with your very own savoury Chinese sauce, and you’ll never want to order Chinese takeout again. Follow the recipe here.
9. Sweet potato, orange and pineapple crunch
We couldn’t end this blog without adding a sweet and delicious dessert recipe using autumn veggies. Sweet potatoes are combined with orange juice and zest, a tin of crushed pineapple and a few other pantry staples - then topped with a crunchy coconut and pecan crumb. This recipe may well be your best sweet treat this autumn.
Winter is coming – but enjoy Autumn!
There is no better way to enjoy the autumn season than experimenting in the kitchen by whipping up dishes that take advantage of the season’s best veggies. And if you need some extra funds to buy some new kitchen equipment to hep you make the most of these recipes, we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans up to $5,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours – so you can get ready to create some sensational veggie dishes for the family this autumn!