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Fall is officially here, which means football, changing leaves, and, let's face it, cooler temperatures. If you're in a state of mourning because you had to shut down you're grill, take heart: fall brings with it a number of hearty, comforting ingredients like butternut squash and pumpkin that leave you celebrating the crisp temperatures instead of woefully staring at your swimming pool. Here are 10 must-make dishes to keep you happy and full this fall.
10. Arugula, Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Sweet, salty, tart, crunchy and spicy, this salad manages to balance a lot of flavors and textures without overwhelming. Sweet pomegranate molasses and mellow pears mollify the tartness of the sherry vinegar in the dressing, while goat cheese and toasted pistachios add substance. Get the recipe on Food52.
9. Simple Roasted Grape Chicken
Roasting chicken with grapes might seem a bit odd, but this autumn dish is pure comfort food. Roasting at high heat ensures crisp skin, while the quick pan sauce means you don't have to wait long before digging in. Get the recipe on Food52.
8. Lamb Stew with Butternut Squash
Stews are a model of versatility—there's no better way to clean out your fridge of all the leftover produce from your farmers market haul. This stew is hearty and warm, chock full of lamb, butternut squash, and carrots, but feel free to add spinach, kale, or other leafy green you have lying around. Get the recipe on Food52.
7. Just Good Chili
This is truly a toss-it-all-in-the-pot type of deal, and with so many additions and omissions possible, you can tailor it to fit your taste. Just make sure to include the beer, which gives the chili bite. Get the recipe on Food52.
6. Butternut Squash and Roasted Garlic Galette
This butternut squash galette is filled with roasted garlic and three types of cheese. Is there any better way to eat vegetables? Everything is topped on a buttery, free-form crust that you can bake on a sheet tray—no fancy pie plate required. Get the recipe on Food52.
5. Roasted Carrot Soup
Don't be fooled, although this creamy soup has only 7 ingredients and five steps its flavor is complex and developed, making it perfect for a last minute dinner party. It's dairy-free, but supple and creamy. Roasting the carrots gives them sweet, earthy depth, and infusing the broth with ginger before making the soup gives the entire recipe a subtle, yet pervasive heat for when the temperatures get cooler. Get the recipe on Food52.
4. Porcini and Rosemary Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Sauce
Salting and drying this show-stopping roast in the fridge overnight ensures perfect seasoning and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth internal texture. The rich, wine sauce gains an earthy depth from the porcinis. Don't be scared if the sauce is thinner than you're used to—all that means is you're going to need bread to sop it up. Get the recipe on Food52.
3. Caramelized Butternut Squash Wedges with a Sage Hazelnut Pesto
Remember that potato chip commercial that goes: "Betcha can't eat just one?" Well, that's kind of how we felt, eating these squash wedges right out of the bowl. With our fingers. High oven heat gives an almost candied interior, while a hint of cayenne brings a subtle kick. The pesto and toasted hazelnuts give richness and depth, and the ricotta salata lends the otherwise earthy pesto welcome tanginess. Get the recipe on Food52.
2. Favorite Fall Orzo Salad
Combine butternut squash, orzo pasta, and some baby greens and you get the lushness of roasted fall vegetables with the lightness of a summer salad. Throw in blue cheese crumbles and this salad can stand as a main course. Get the recipe on Food52.
1. Pasta Al Forno with Pumpkin and Pancetta
Rich and tangy from the blend of cheeses, and studded with roast pumpkin, pancetta and fresh thyme leaves, this baked pasta is fall on a plate. Note: If you can't find pumpkin, feel free to use butternut squash. Get the recipe on Food52.
