Autumn meal ideas. Take note!

Autumn is approaching, and with it the desire to change habits. Having just come back from a summer full of excesses and cold food, the palate is asking for recipes that are a little more autumnal. In this article of mentta’s blog we show you the characteristics of autumn, some ideas for autumn meals and the typical dishes of some countries. Take note and enjoy this autumn food article.

Autumn season

As we all know, autumn is one of the four seasons between summer and winter. This period is characterised by changes in the weather, which directly or indirectly influence the gastronomy of different countries. In short, autumn is characterised by:

• Changes in nature:

– The leaves of the trees change colour, creating beautiful landscapes with shades of red, orange and yellow.
– Temperatures gradually begin to drop as winter approaches.
– Nights become cooler and mornings can be cool and foggy.
– Some plants and trees begin to lose their leaves in preparation for winter.

• Festivals and celebrations:

– In many cultures, autumn is marked by holidays such as Thanksgiving (in countries such as the United States and Canada), Oktoberfest (in Germany), Halloween (in several countries) and Day of the Dead (in Mexico).
– These festivities often include traditional foods, outdoor events and family activities.

• Harvest and seasonal products:

– Autumn is the harvest season in many regions. Fruits such as apples, pears, grapes and pumpkins are harvested, as well as vegetables such as courgettes, broccoli and carrots.
– Many dishes and recipes are based on seasonal ingredients that are available during autumn.

• Outdoor activities:

– Autumn is a good time for outdoor activities such as nature walks, bike rides and hikes.
– Rural areas often offer foliage tours to admire the changing colours of the leaves.

• Changes in light and atmosphere:

– Days get shorter and nights get longer as the sun sets earlier.
– Autumn light has a warm, soft tone that creates a special atmosphere.

• Preparing for winter:

– In many cultures, autumn is a time to prepare for winter. This may include storing food, making sure homes are insulated, and maintaining gardens and outdoors.

In short, autumn is a season that brings with it a sense of change and transition. It is a time when nature and everyday life undergo visible transformations, and autumn-related festivities and activities create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. This is what causes the food and gastronomy of each country to vary slightly, whether due to temperature, festivities or harvests.

Autumn meal ideas

Are you tired of eating summer food and looking for different recipes? With the summer heat, most of the dishes we eat are fresh, but there comes a point when it is necessary to change and give our palate different flavours and textures, beyond cold salads of all kinds. Here we bring you some autumn food ideas:

 

Buy ready meals

 

Soups and creams

– Roasted pumpkin soup with spices.
– Cream of mushroom soup with a touch of white wine.
– Lentil soup with chorizo or ham.
– Leek and potato soup.

Buy meat

 

Meat dishes

– Lamb stew with seasonal vegetables.
– Baked chicken with apples and onions.
– Roast pork with cider sauce.
– Meatballs in red wine sauce.

 

Buy fruit and vegetables

 

Vegetarian dishes

– Mushroom and parmesan risotto.
– Courgettes stuffed with quinoa, spinach and nuts.
– Baked aubergines with tomato and cheese.
– Savoury pumpkin and goat’s cheese tart.

 

Buy fish and seafood

 

Fish dishes

– Baked salmon with cranberry sauce.
– Cod with sweet potato purée.
– Seafood paella with squid, prawns and mussels.

 

Buy rice, pulses and pasta

 

Accompaniments

– Sweet potato purée with cinnamon and nutmeg.
– Spinach, pear, pear, walnut and blue cheese salad.
– Mashed potatoes and parsnips.
– Roasted asparagus with parmesan.

 

Buy bakery and confectionery

 

Desserts

– Apple pie with spices.
– Pumpkin flan.
– Pears in red wine with spices.
– Chocolate brownies with walnuts and pumpkin.

 

Buy drinks

Drinks:

– Mulled cider with spices.
– Red or white wine to pair with dishes.
– Herbal and spice infusions, such as cinnamon tea or ginger tea.

Autumn foods in other countries

Of course, in different countries there are also traditional foods that are popular during autumn due to the availability of seasonal ingredients and the festivities that take place. Here are some examples:

• United States: Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States in November. Roast turkey is the main dish, accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
• Mexico: On the Day of the Dead (1-2 November), the traditional pan de muerto, a sweet treat often accompanied by hot chocolate, is prepared. It is also a time for tamales and atole.
• South Korea: Chuseok, the harvest festival, is celebrated in autumn. One of the traditional dishes is songpyeon, a rice cake filled with sweet or savoury ingredients.
• Canada: Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October. The feast includes turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and a variety of seasonal vegetables.
• Japan: During autumn in Japan, it is rice harvesting season and the rice festival (Tsukimi) is celebrated in September. Sukiyaki, a meat and vegetable stew cooked in a pot, is a popular choice.

Autumn foods in Europe

• Germany: At Oktoberfest, a German festival celebrated in September and October. They enjoy dishes such as roast pork knuckle, sausages and pretzels. It is also apple season, so apple desserts are common.
• France: French cuisine is full of comforting dishes in autumn. Coq au vin (chicken stewed in red wine), cassoulet (a meat and vegetable stew) and tarte tatin (a caramelised apple tart) are popular.
• UK: Beef and ale pie is a traditional British autumn dish. Lamb dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, are also enjoyed. At Halloween, toffee apples are common.
• Italy: In Italy, the autumn season brings mushrooms so dishes such as risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto) are common. Pasta dishes with rich and tasty sauces are also enjoyed.

Each culture has its own festivities and characteristic dishes that reflect seasonal ingredients and local traditions. If you enjoyed this autumn-related blog post, keep an eye out for this post on the 10 most popular types of mushrooms.