Fall Produce for Cozy Meals at Home
Many of us have been honing our at-home cooking skills during the last few months, and with a new season of produce, there are so many meal possibilities. Autumnal produce, from root vegetables to squash, are not only high in fiber and antioxidants, but make for cozy meals as the weather gets colder! Give these seasonally-available fruits and vegetables a try (and shop locally) this season!
Squash
Fall wouldn't be the same without butternut or delicata squash. Both are a great source of vitamins A, K and C which are all essential for a healthy immune system. Squash can be roasted ahead of time with rosemary, sage and olive oil and added to any meal as a sweet and savory side dish or roasted and pulsed to make thai-inspired spicy butternut squash soup.
Beets
Besides adding a gorgeous pop of color to any meal, beets are full of anti-inflammatory nutrients like folate, magnesium, iron and are a great source of fiber. Roasting your own beets can seem like a lot of work, but they’re as simple as coating them in olive oil, wrapping them in some aluminum foil and roasting them for about an hour in a 400° oven. Add roasted beets to a bed of kale and arugula, quinoa and avocado and top with pepitas for an easy fiber-filled salad or glaze them with carrots for a colorful side dish!
Raspberries
Raspberries in the fall are the perfect balance of sweet and tart: packed with antioxidants shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and arthritis, they are the perfect addition to any breakfast or dessert. Toss raspberries into a blender with frozen banana and mango chunks for a potassium rich smoothie or simply eat them on their own with some dark chocolate after dinner for a sweet and healthy dessert. We’re partial to anything chocolate and can’t wait to try this raspberry and chocolate chia seed pudding!
Pears
Pears are another great source of fiber and antioxidants and are a sweet addition to your fall dishes! Try them sliced over oatmeal with cinnamon and nutmeg or blend them up with oats to make protein pancakes. For a more savory option, slice pears thinly and add them to a charcuterie board with sharp and tangy cheeses like goat or cheddar for your socially-distant wine night!