
autumn dishes
Autumn is the most bountiful season of all and, after the ease of summer, I relish getting back into the kitchen to cook up heartier, richer dishes.
As we respond to the challenges of moving into colder months, it is vital to ensure that we are fuelling our bodies with the full gamut of colourful produce. Autumn and winter can be harsh on our bodies, but for many the challenges are also felt mentally as we battle darker skies – good nutrition plays a notable role here, too (see my article on SAD).
Autumnal food dazzles with richly coloured foods, so do join me in celebrating the season with some of the seasonal gems below. This Chicken, Kale & Bean Stew ticks so many boxes. Or if you are vegan, try my Warming Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry as it’s a terrific bowl of all things autumnal.
autumn warmers
Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry
This is such a comforting dish for wintery days. Chickpeas are a starchy carbohydrate, but they also contain protein. They…
Cavolo Nero with Rosemary and Shallots
This dish is quick and easy but elevates the humble cavolo nero (or chard, spinach or kale if you’d prefer) into a bit of a…
Balsamic Braised Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts & Pomegranate
I know that Brussels sprouts might not be everyone’s favourite vegetable, but they are such a traditional part of many…
The Crispiest Turmeric & Paprika Roasted Potatoes
Everyone needs a recipe for a good roastie and this is my much-loved offering. I have to say that I think the secret to…
Roasted Parsnips and Carrots with Cumin and Green Tahini Dressing
This is a simple dish to serve as the main event (perhaps adding a little feta, green salad and some good, crusty bread) or…
Harissa Roasted Whole Side of Salmon with Olive Oil Aioli
If you’re after a bit of a show-stopper dish to serve as the centrepiece of your festive table, then this is the most…
Turkey & Pumpkin Chilli
This is an autumn favourite of mine and something I make year after year. Kids love it, too, and it’s full to the brim with…
Warm Festive Salad with an Orange Vinaigrette
The festive season can mean a lot of heavy meals. Delicious as they might be, I think we all have days or occasions when we…
Slow-Roasted Turkey
It’s very handy to have a good roast turkey recipe for those special occasions that call for a celebratory meal. I have been…
Quick Gluten-Free Christmas Cake
I love the traditions of Christmas and an indulgently fruit-laden Christmas cake is such an evocative smell and sight on a…
Pumpkin Dahl Soup
A big, comforting, fragrant bowl of dhal on a wintery day is always a treat. This one, made with seasonal pumpkin (autumn),…
Carrot & Turmeric Soup
get quite passionate about this soup. I remember when I first made it, I felt excited by just how powerful the ingredients…
Kale & Bean Soup with Pistachio & Lemon Pistou
This is a clean and simple kale soup that holds its own alone but comes alive with a tangy fresh pistachio and lemon pistou…
Buckwheat Pancakes
Buckwheat contains both fibre and protein and is naturally gluten free. I love stewed blackberries in autumn but these…
Warm Roasted Salad with a Walnut & Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
Warm roasted salads like this one are an absolute staple in my autumn and winter kitchen.
Blackberry, Lemon & Almond Cake
This is a show-stopping cake. Perfect to mark an autumnal celebration or for an indulgent afternoon tea.
Slow Roasted Chicken with Garlic, Orange & Cyder Vinegar
I am not sure there is a more comforting dish than a slow-roasted chicken. It is so evocative coming in from chilly walks to…
Salsa Verde & Butternut Squash Soup
I think a really herby salsa verde is perhaps one of the most elevating condiments we can make, turning the simplest soup,…
Sticky Soy Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
This simple recipe has become a weekly regular in my house. My daughter loves it and so do we so it reduces my time in the…
Roasted Red Pepper & Lentil Soup
A delicious, warming soup packed full of nutritious vegetables
Lamb Moussaka
Cooked in households and tavernas all over Greece, this is pure comfort heart-warming family food. My simple version has a…
Crunchy Amaranth Granola
Amaranth, used by the ancient Aztecs, is a complete protein source boasting all nine essential amino acids and a variety of…
Beetroot, Rosemary and Walnut Soda Bread
This is a different way to use beetroot and I think it’s pretty lovely to see a pink loaf of bread. Beetroots offer vitamins…
Beetroot & Ginger Smoothie
Beetroot and ginger are a very good combination and blended together in a smoothie provide quite a powerful and beneficial…
Beetroot & Squash Salad and Hazelnut Dressing
I love the vibrant colours in this hearty autumn salad, which packs a hefty nutritional punch too. The dressing tops it off…
Spiced Roasted Nuts
These are a lovely and quick snack to serve with a glass of ice-cold fizz. A roaring fire and great company go well with…
Homemade Chocolates
Making chocolate is easier than you might think and I find it incredibly satisfying to do. There are many sweet little…
Chocolate Covered Fruit & Nuts
There is something quite childlike about dipping nuts and fruit segments into melted chocolate and I look forward to doing…
Veggie Nuggets
These nutritious nuggets don’t last very long at all in my house. Willow adores dipping them into a yogurt dip or homemade…
Squash, Mushroom & Swiss Chard ‘Lasagne’
I have always found both the preparation and eating of a bubbling tray of lasagne a comforting activity. There is something…
Spicy Thai Chicken Broth
This broth provides an exquisite array of colour with a deliciously spicy kick, alongside a hefty dose of essential…
Celeriac Rösti
During the winter months root vegetables are the stars of the show. Usually I mash celeriac or have it in soups but once I…
Individual Fish Pies
This recipe was created for those following a low FODMAP programme. There is nothing wrong with the real deal but sometimes…
Baked Trout on a Bed of Vegetables
If you can get your hands on some fresh trout, it is one of the most delicious, delicate fishes to enjoy. And, as an oily…
Slow Cooked Mexican Beef
The slow cooker is the busy person’s best friend during the colder winter months. It only takes me a few minutes to get this…
Spicy Meatballs in Sauce on ‘Squashetti’
These spiced meatballs are a great dish for sharing. I’ve used squash here to make a sort of ‘spaghetti’, but good old…
Fragrant Golden Monkfish Curry & Cauliflower Rice
This is one of my favourite Indian curries to make, and whilst it looks and tastes labour-intensive, is really is a ‘throw…
Brussels Sprouts Cashew Cheese
I try to include recipes for everyone, whatever your dietary preferences, and this is a great take on a classic if you…
Simple Chicken & Sweet Potato Chips
This is quick, easy, adaptable and, to me, the epitome of comfort food – it’s great for adults and kids alike, so makes a…
Spiced Prawns with Spinach & Coconut
This is a really simple meal that you can rustle up in minutes – the perfect option for a busy weeknight. But despite its…
Simple Prawn, Coconut & Aubergine Curry
Many of us love a good curry and this is a winner - I think it may possibly be the most popular recipe I have created.…
Puy Lentil Stew
This lentil stew is a winner – it ticks all the boxes for a simple, wholesome, nutritious, comforting supper. Use a good…
Stuffed Peppers with Chilli
This hearty chilli filling is a great recipe to have up your sleeve for those nights when you need a warming, healthy meal…
Chicken, Kale & Bean Stew
This is the kind of hearty autumnal stew that brings me lovingly into the colder seasons – a one-pot meal can feed my house…
Fish and spinach curry with cauliflower ‘rice’ and pistachios
I love the vibrant contrasting colours and nutrients this curry provides. The cauliflower provides an excellent base, adding…
Lentil & Mushroom Ragu
This is a lovely meat-free Monday meal or a comforting, warming dish for a cosy night in. It is quick to make with simple…
Chicken & Vegetable Tray Bake
This is a hearty autumn and winter dish that makes the most of the abundant root vegetables that are available at this time…
Beef Curry
This is so easy to make and feels like a really delicious hearty meal – great for sharing with friends and family. You don’t…
Crispy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coleslaw
I created this recipe for anyone with a penchant for fried chicken. It’s wonderfully crunchy on the outside, juicy on the…
Creamy Lemon Cod with Fennel & Leeks
This creamy, hearty dish feels nourishing for body and soul. With sides of roasted baby potatoes and sautéed kale, this…
Wild Salmon Parcels with Asian-Style Salad
Making fish parcels is such a lovely, easy way to cook fish without the risk of it becoming dry. I aim to buy sustainably…
Jerusalem Artichoke & Hazelnut Soup
The rich, sweet and nutty joys of Jerusalem artichoke partner wonderfully with chestnut and celeriac for this puree – it’s…
Green Soup & Cashew Cream
This simple soup is a celebration of all things green. Green leafy vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fibre…
Crunchy Harissa Chickpeas
In my pre-nutritionist days I was a crisp addict – they were a hard habit to break. These baked chickpeas are a perfect…
Mushroom & Thyme Soup
Soups always provide comfort year round but particularly in Autumn and Winter when we feel the cold. Mushrooms fortunately…
Vegetable Pakoras
These vegetable pakoras are my lighter take on the Indian favourite. They are delicious and so easy, although I confess a…
Indian Coconut Cabbage
This is the perfect example of how using spices can really bring vegetables alive. It is delicious alongside some lean meat…
Prawn, Sesame & Ginger ‘Gyoza’ in Cabbage Wrapper
I love Japanese steamed gyoza, and discovered that cabbage leaves make the perfect easy wrappers.
Oysters 3-Ways
Oysters come into season from September onwards and are not only nutritious but are also good for the environment. Oyster…
Crayfish Lettuce Cups with Asian Dressing
We are very lucky in the UK as an island to have easy access to fresh shell fish which is not only delicious but is also…
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini & Miso Dipping Sauce
Cauliflower contains a variety of nutrients including fibre, and vitamin C - which helps support our immune system. It is…
Simple Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a great Sunday (or any other day!) ‘cook-up’ dish to prepare in advance for the week, as it always tastes…
Butternut ‘Squashetti’ with Sage & Pine Nuts
This is a classic Italian flavour pairing of butternut squash, sage and pine nuts and it’s a dream. Squash contains many…
Wild Rice Purple Salad
This is a stunning winter grain salad with nutty wild rice. If the bitter radicchio or chicory are hard to find, red cabbage…
Jerusalem Artichoke, Chestnut & Celeriac Puree
The rich, sweet and nutty joys of Jerusalem artichoke partner wonderfully with chestnut and celeriac for this puree – it’s…