Fall Harvest Pairings: Seasonal Ingredient Combinations That Elevate Your Meals This Season

Autumn brings a bountiful harvest. Farmers are busiest during this season, reaping a wide variety of root crops, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, grains and fruits. These produce are rich in flavors and nutrients, and they are more affordable than out-of-season ingredients. If you want to add in-season ingredients to your meals, here are versatile fall harvest food combos for sweet and savory dishes.

Pumpkin and Sage

The sweetness of pumpkin pairs well with peppery sage. The combination elevates different dishes and provides a great foundation for autumn-inspired recipes.

Roast pumpkins to bring out their natural sweetness. You can also bake, boil, mash or blend them. For sage, you can include it in dishes fresh, dried, fried or cooked with browned butter to enhance the herb’s flavors.

Consider these filling meal ideas that combine the creamy, autumn classic with the earthy herb:

• • Creamy pumpkin pasta: Sage and pumpkin purée create a great base for fall-flavored recipes. Add cheese to make your pasta sauce more savory or coconut milk if you like it creamy.
  • Pumpkin sage soup: Sauté aromatics with fresh sage, then add broth and pumpkin purée to create a hearty soup. Add cream or coconut milk for richness.
  • Roasted pumpkin and crispy sage: Brown butter and sage leaves create a nutty, savory sauce. Drizzle it over roasted pumpkin wedges and top with fried sage for texture.

• Pumpkin and sage risotto: Toast arborio rice with cooked garlic, shallots and sage. Gradually mix in warm broth and pumpkin purée, and stir until the rice is ready. Garnish the dish with fried sage leaves, cheese or pancetta for extra flavor.

Butternut Squash and Cinnamon

Butternut squashes are like pumpkins but with a more elongated shape, nuttier flavor and less stringy texture. It works with cinnamon, as the warm, inviting spice enhances its sweetness. Butternut squash and cinnamon are staples in fall and winter cuisine.

Like pumpkin, butternut squash can be roasted, baked, boiled, mash or fried. Cinnamon tastes great with sweet dishes, and a dash of this warm, woody spice can also enhance curries and stews.

Here are some recipe ideas with this classic fall harvest food pairing:

• Butternut squash and cinnamon smoothie: Blend cooked squash purée with cinnamon and dairy for a fall-themed drink. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Squash pie or crisp: Bake a pie with a spiced filling made of puréed squash and cinnamon. You can also use the filling as a base for fruit-and-nut crisp topped with a cinnamon streusel.
• Stuffed squash: Cut butternut squashes in half, then fill each side with a mix of walnuts, raisins and apples. Sprinkle it with cinnamon before baking to create a delicious holiday treat.
• Squash curry: For a comforting meal, add butternut squash cubes to a curry base that blends cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and similar spices.

Cranberry and Orange

Cranberry and orange brings color and zest to seasonal dishes. The berry’s sharp, tart flavor complements the citrus fruit’s sweetness. They’re usually preserved as jams and compotes, which can add complexity to everyday sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and other staples.

The potency of the berry and fruit’s flavors can vary depending on their ripeness and source. Raw cranberries have bitter, earthy undertones that juice oranges can balance. If you want a more potent orange flavor, grate the fruit’s skin for zest, which can make sweet and savory foods more citrusy.

Here are other ways they can turn common dishes into seasonal favorites:

• • Meat glaze: Glaze turkey, chicken, pork or other proteins with a fruit-and-berry glaze to give it a sweet and savory crust. The combination’s acidity can also tenderize the meat.
  • Fruit-and-berry sauce: Simmer cranberries with orange juice, spices and other flavorings to create a delicious, holiday condiment that pairs well with various savory dishes.
  • Zesty salad: Add orange segments and cranberries to your salads for a tangy and texture-rich salad. A citrus vinaigrette can tie the flavors together.

• Cranberry and orange bread and pastry: Fold orange zest and cranberries into the batter to add flavor to the baked good. Use other fall fruit and berries for more variety.

Sweet Potatoes and Ginger

Sweet potato has a creamy, earthy sweetness. Ginger’s fiery, pungent flavor provides an interesting counterpoint, adding depth to the root crop’s taste. Ginger also offers digestive benefits and smells warm and comforting when cooked with the root crops.

To get the most nutrients, leave the skin on sweet potatoes when cooking them. It’s also a good idea to experiment with different types of ginger for your dishes. Fresh ginger has the most vibrant flavor, while minced or candied ginger has a milder and chewier texture.

Here are some food ideas with this aromatic combination:

• Creamy sweet potato soup: Roast sweet potatoes and blend them with grated ginger, coconut milk and vegetable broth for a hearty soup. Add cumin or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Mashed sweet potatoes: Add a dash of ground ginger to mashed root crops to elevate the side dish. For a more potent spicy taste, include freshly grated ginger instead. Squeeze lime or add a hint of cardamom for more flavor.
• Savory dip: Blend roasted sweet potatoes with ginger, cumin and cayenne pepper for a spicy and flavorful sauce.
• Ginger and miso roasted sweet potatoes: Roast cubed or sliced root crops with olive oil. Toss them in a white miso, ginger and brown sugar sauce for an umami kick.

Celebrate the Flavors of Fall in Everyday Meals

Whether you’re using fall harvest foods as the main ingredient, a side dish or a flavor accent, they can bring depth and complexity to your cooking. These combinations are timeless, but they’re only a fraction of this season’s bounty. Many autumn foods, like pumpkin seeds, leafy greens and sweet potatoes, also help balance hormones naturally and support overall well-being. Why not explore and experiment with your local market’s produce options? Discover your area’s unique autumn flavors and how you can integrate them into your meals.