Now that fall is officially here, it’s time to infuse the menu with ingredients and flavors that fit the season. Start with these five recipes, showcasing fruits and vegetables coming into market now and in the weeks ahead.
1. Butternut Squash, Mushroom and Mascarpone Risotto
Chef Adam Siegel uses a local Wisconsin cheese to add richness to this risotto and butternut squash puree to tint it deep yellow. Caramelized shiitake mushrooms and fresh herbs pump up the flavor. The risotto makes for a satisfying vegetarian entree or a comforting side dish.
Photograph courtesy of Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service
2. Pear, Squash and Wheat Berry Salad
Squash is taking kale's place as the vegetable that soon will be all over menus, according to several trend forecasters. Here, the butternut variety is roasted and featured in a healthy grain salad that can be prepared ahead and dished out at service, or separated into its components to offer at a build-your-own-bowl station.
3. Fairytale Pumpkin Curry With Serrano Ham and Apple Salad
Maypop, a restaurant located in downtown New Orleans’ South Market District, is known for its fusion menu of Southern-influenced Southeast Asian cuisine. For this Thai-style curry, Chef Michael Gulotta uses fairytale pumpkin—a variety that gets its name from its resemblance in shape to the pumpkin coach in the story of Cinderella. The pumpkin’s mellow flavor is a good base for the bold ingredients spicing up this dish.
4. Salmon With Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Toasted Walnut and Apple Salsa
Consumers’ definition of healthy eating has changed, according to Technomic’s 2018Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report. Diners are seeking foods that boost the immune system, relieve stress, aid digestion or increase energy levels. In this dish, the salmon contributes heart-healthy omega-3 fats, and the sweet potatoes are high in disease-fighting antioxidants.
5. Cranberry-Apple Turkey Burgers With Aged Asiago Cheese
Burger-bored customers may appreciate a seasonal condiment on the same old patty. Chef Sanford D'Amato differentiates a turkey burger with a topping of sauteed apples and cranberries. Asiago cheese complements the fruity topping with another layer of flavor for a cheeseburger that will excite guests this fall.