3 Autumn Recipes: Cosy Comfort Food

As the leaves turn golden and the evenings grow longer, there’s no better time to indulge in the rich, comforting flavours of autumn. This season is perfect for warming, hearty meals that celebrate seasonal produce like pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables. In this blog, we’ve curated 3 autumn recipes that are sure to bring a cosy touch to your kitchen and keep you nourished throughout the cooler months. Each recipe is designed to be simple yet delicious, with a focus on wholesome, natural ingredients that align with Raffya’s commitment to elegance and well-being.

1. Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Soup

Pumpkin is the quintessential autumn ingredient, and this roasted pumpkin and sage soup captures the earthy, sweet essence of the season. It's perfect as a starter or a light lunch, providing warmth and comfort on those chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium pumpkin (or butternut squash)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• A handful of fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Double cream, for garnish
• Crusty bread, to serve

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cut the pumpkin into chunks, remove the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until soft and caramelised.
2. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the roasted pumpkin to the pot, stirring in the sage leaves.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, then remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a swirl of double cream and a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side.

2. Apple and Cinnamon Crumble

Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, fragrant combination of apples and cinnamon. This classic apple crumble recipe is a firm favourite for family gatherings or a cosy night in. The sweet, spiced filling pairs perfectly with the buttery crumble topping, making it the ultimate autumn dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 100g caster sugar
• 150g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, cubed
• 50g rolled oats
• A handful of flaked almonds (optional)
• Vanilla custard or cream, to serve

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with half the sugar and the cinnamon, ensuring the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased ovenproof dish.
2. In another bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats, remaining sugar, and flaked almonds (if using) to create the crumble topping.
3. Scatter the crumble mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
4. Serve warm with vanilla custard or a generous drizzle of cream for the perfect autumn treat.

3. Spiced Lentil and Root Vegetable Stew

As temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, warming stew to keep you feeling full and satisfied. This spiced lentil and root vegetable stew is not only nourishing but also packed with seasonal vegetables, making it an ideal dish for autumn evenings. It’s simple to prepare, yet full of flavour thanks to the fragrant spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 parsnips, diced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 200g red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread, to serve

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables in the oil. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, and cook for a further 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavour.
3. Stir in the lentils and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion

These 3 autumn recipes bring the warmth and comfort we all crave during the cooler months. From a velvety roasted pumpkin soup to a classic apple crumble, and a hearty spiced lentil stew, each dish is crafted with seasonal ingredients that celebrate the best of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a quick and simple meal or something a bit more indulgent, these recipes will keep you cosy and satisfied as the weather cools. So, gather your loved ones, light a few candles, and enjoy the flavours of autumn with these delicious dishes.