The telltale signs of autumn in South Africa are upon us; the mornings are becoming slightly darker and colder and our sunsets shorter. Even though we’re saying goodbye to summer, there’s plenty to look forward in the kitchen with the bountiful seasonal fruit and vegetables of autumn. We’ve rounded up our favourite autumn recipes that make the most of the cooler weather and of course the ingredients that are in season.
SEASONAL VEG: AUBERGINE (BRINJAL/EGGPLANT)
Bringal, aubergine, eggplant, no matter what you call it, we love it. So versatile and so yum!
BABY AUBERGINE WITH LENTILS POMEGRANATE & CHEVIN DRESSING
Aubergines are so versatile, we really love them! Roast, grill or fry – they are a great meaty alternative if you are looking for a veg with some oomph.
Recipe for Baby Aubergine with Lentils Pomegranate & Chevin Dressing
AUBERGINE SALAD WITH YOGHURT HUMMUS DRESSING
If you find yourself yearning for summer, this seasonal salad should quell your nostalgia.
Recipe for Aubergine Salad with Yoghurt Hummus Dressing
SEASONAL VEG: BEETROOT
The earthy flavour of beetroot makes it perfect for autumn eating. Also an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be used in so many ways.
BEETROOT RAVIOLI WITH BROWN BUTTER & POPPY SEEDS
There’s something about the colder months that make it more acceptable to eat carbs. This beetroot and ricotta ravioli is so good slathered in decadent brown butter sauce.
Recipe for Beetroot Ravioli with Brown Butter & Poppy Seeds
GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE BEETROOT CAKE
A recipe that allows us to feed our indulgence without the guilt.
Recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Beetroot Cake
SEASONAL VEG: BROCCOLI
Don’t be afraid of this green veg. Packed full of flavour and health benefits.
CHARRED BROCCOLI & BABY GEM SALAD
With winter just around the corner now’s the time to kick-start your immune system, and what better way than a bowl of flu-fighting greens.
Recipe for Charred Broccoli & Baby Gem Salad
BROCCOLI & CHICKPEA BHAJIS
A take on traditional bhajis using broccoli and chickpeas instead of onion and served with creamy avo.
Recipe for Broccoli & Chickpea Bhajis
SEASONAL VEG: CABBAGE AND CAULIFLOWER
Cabbage is seriously underrated; we love it raw, in salads, or cooked – and there are so many ways to use it. Cauliflower has become so popular of late and with good reason – versatile and yummy!
CABBAGE PAKORA WITH MINT CHUTNEY
Throw an autumn dinner party and serve these pakoras as a starter.
Recipe for Cabbage Pakora with Mint Chutney
PORK STEAKS ON CAULIFLOWER MASH
Special shout out to the banters, now you can eat cauliflower to your heart’s content!
Recipe for Pork Steaks on Cauliflower Mash
SEASONAL VEG: KALE AND PEAS
Kale is a real superfood veg and should be a part of everyone’s diet. It also works incredibly well served raw or cooked. Peas are another one of our favourite veggies and add colour and a bit of sweetness to a dish.
FRESH PEA & MINT SOUP WITH GARLIC BRUSCHETTA
The perfect in-between seasonal soup.
PENNE PASTA WITH KALE PESTO
Trust us, you’re going to want to make a double batch of this pesto, kale has never tasted so good.
Recipe for Penne Pasta with Kale Pesto
SEASONAL VEG: MUSHROOMS
What’s not to love about mushrooms? There are so many different types and they are all delicious in their own way. Mushrooms add meatiness and umami flavour to any dish.
CREAMY PENNE PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS & GAMMON
The damper, cooler weather is perfect for some shroom picking. We love mushrooms as a stand-alone dish or thrown into this pasta recipe.
Recipe Creamy Penne Pasta with Mushroom & Gammon
CREAMY MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
There’s never a bad moment for mushrooms on toast.
Recipe for Creamy Mushrooms on Toast
SEASONAL FRUIT: AVOCADO
Ah the avo… probably one of the most hardworking fruits out there. Full of health benefits, so tasty and so incredibly versatile. We think this might just be our favourite….
CHARGRILLED ASPARAGUS & AVOCADO SALAD WITH PRAWNS
Another reason we love autumn and seasonal shopping… affordable AVO!
Recipe for Chargrilled Asparagus & Avocado Salad with Prawns
COURGETTE CUPCAKES WITH AVOCADO CREAM CHEESE ICING
Another reason we love avos, they can be used in a sweet or savoury dish.
Recipe for Courgette Cupcakes with Avocado Cream Cheese Icing
SEASONAL FRUIT: PLUMS
Sweet plums are in abundence in autumn and the great news is they can be used in sweet or savoury dishes.
INDONESIAN SHORT RIBS WITH PLUMS
Biting into stone fruits just has this way of saying, ‘Hello, welcome to autumn!’. They’re the perfect balance between sweet and sour, making them great for savoury and dessert dishes.
Recipe for Indonesian Short Ribs with Plums
BAKED PLUMS WITH SPICED GINGER BISCUIT CRUMBLE
Cost effective, easy to make and sure to be please a crowd. This plum recipe is all you need to end the night off.
Recipe for Baked Plums with Spiced Ginger Biscuit Crumble
SEASONAL FRUIT: PEACHES AND ORANGES
Both great autumn fruits that can be enjoyed on their own or in a recipe for something delicious.
PEACH & FRANGIPANE TART
Forget strawberries and cream, bring out the peaches for this frangipane tart.
Recipe for Peach & Frangipane Tart
MINI ORANGE ALMOND BUNDT CAKES WITH ORANGE SYRUP
These mini bundt cakes will brighten up any day!
Recipe for Mini Orange Almond Bundt Cake with Orange Syrup
SEASONAL FRUIT: APPLES AND CARROTS
We’re lucky enough that carrots are available pretty much year round, and certain apples are at their prime right now too. Just in time for delish autumn baking.
CLASSIC CARROT CAKE
There’s very little not to love about this cake…
Recipe for Classic Carrot Cake
APPLE MUFFINS WITH MACADAMIA STREUSEL
Perfect for mornings, tea time, afternoon snacks, pretty much anytime!
Recipe for Apple Muffins with Macadamia Streusel
Loved these seasonal recipes? Check out our seasonal fruit and veggie chart so you know what’s in season when.
Publication: Crush Mag
