October 11, 2023

8 recipes to celebrate fall harvest

For many people, summer wins first place in the favourite season competition. But around here, it’s fall that steals the show! The abundance of colourful veggies, the joyous food-prepping traditions, the comforting return of roasted and braised dishes—autumn never ceases to amaze and inspire us.

I like to think of this bounty as a ready-to-eat gift. All that’s left to do is say “yes, thank you!”, unpack all that goodness and to dig into the richness of harvests to stock up on colour and flavour before winter sets in.

Below are a few of our must-try recipes that honour the very best of fall produce. From golden squashes to bright purple eggplants and emerald sage, you’ll be able to whip up flamboyant plates in no time! Whether you’re aiming for a quick weekday dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, we know you’ll find something simply delicious for everyone sitting at your table.

Buon appetito!

As soon as my Nonna Angela prepared this soup at home, I knew that fall was well underway. The zucchini's comforting flavour is supported by the freshness of the basil. Easy to make, easy on the wallet and keeps well in the freezer for later use.

Butternut squash parmigiana

We’ve revisited the legendary eggplant parmigiana by replacing the eggplant with slices of roasted butternut squash. But don’t worry, we’ve kept the mouth-watering tomato basil sauce and, of course, the cheese! It’s an excellent dish to celebrate the return of our favourite variety of squash.

 

Zucchini and basil soup

As soon as my Nonna Angela prepared this soup at home, I knew that fall was well underway. The zucchini’s comforting flavour is supported by the freshness of the basil. Easy to make, easy on the wallet and keeps well in the freezer for later use.

Butternut squash risotto

Nothing’s more satisfying than sweet butternut squash. The risotto is the perfect neutral base to showcase the fresh squash; the two together are a match made in heaven.

 

Sicilian eggplant sandwich

Think of an Italian croque-monsieur, senza il pane. The original recipe is made with breaded eggplant, filled with mint, and cooked on the BBQ — the idea to make it into a sandwich brought it to a whole other level.

Kale, sweet potato, apple and cheddar salad

Sure, summer’s fun, but there’s something so charming about fall. This salad boasts the best the season has to offer! It’s the perfect occasion to showcase delicious local products and discover a sumptuous vinaigrette with a dash of sweetness.

 

Casarecce alla Norma

This celebrated dish from southern Italy is not only vegetarian, it’s also delicate and comforting. It was named in honour of Norma, the renowned Sicilian opera that recounts the story of an ill-fated priestess. The excellence of the dish is said to rival the excellence of the opera. It’s simply so good they named it after a masterpiece!

Zucchini, chickpea and burrata salad

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy zucchini, your quest stops here. This recipe bursts with freshness thanks mainly to the pickled touch and the hint of fresh lemon, dill, and mint. Chickpeas then come in for roundness and protein, while burrata serves a hearty portion of creamy goodness.

 

Eggplant wedges with charred peppers and herbs

This grilled eggplant and sweet pepper dish is the perfect side to all your al fresco meals. But be warned, this colourful delight might just steal your main course’s thunder!

Garganelli with eggplant and marjoram

A little-known pasta from northern Italy that is well worth knowing. Its name means a feather. Much has been written about this vegetarian dish, which is in our book of favourite recipes.

 

Farfalle with kale pesto and roasted squash

Superfood pasta that is as nutritious as it is filling, yet another way to incorporate squash into meals. This kale pesto is a change from what you know — it’ll surprise you. If you’re looking for vegetarian recipe ideas, this one will surely be in your top 10.