The days grow shorter, the air feels crisper and autumn begins to paint its colours across the countryside. It’s the season of golden leaves, cosy evenings and of course, heartwarming food. Autumn is the perfect time to celebrate seasonal produce, experiment with nourishing recipes, and enjoy comforting dishes that reflect the richness of this time of year.
Whether you’re looking for vegan delights, vegetarian classics, or hearty meals for the whole family, September offers a wealth of fresh ingredients…from pumpkins and squashes to apples, mushrooms and root vegetables. Below, we explore a selection of recipes and ideas to inspire your kitchen this autumn for the whole family!
- Roasted Pumpkin & Sage Soup (Vegan)
September is the beginning of pumpkin season and nothing says autumn quite like a warm, silky pumpkin soup. Roasting the pumpkin first brings out its natural sweetness, while fresh sage adds an earthy depth of flavour.
Serve with warm sourdough bread or gluten-free rolls for a satisfying start to a cosy evening. This dish is vegan-friendly, but you can also swirl in a little cream or creme fraiche if you’d like to make it richer.
- Apple & Blackberry Crumble (Vegetarian)
September is also the height of apple and blackberry season in the UK. A traditional crumble is a wonderful way to bring these flavours together. Juicy blackberries and tart apples are baked under a golden, buttery crumble topping that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
For a lighter twist, use oats and nuts in your crumble mix, which also makes it higher in fibre and crunch. Serve with custard, cream, or dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly dessert.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto (Vegetarian, Vegan Option)
Mushrooms are at their best during the early autumn months. A creamy wild mushroom risotto captures the essence of the season perfectly. Arborio rice cooked slowly with stock and infused with garlic and thyme creates a delicious dish!
For a vegan version, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a plant-based alternative. The result is just as indulgent and full of umami flavour.
- Roasted Root Vegetable Traybake (Vegan)
Carrots, parsnips, beetroot and sweet potatoes are all at their seasonal peak in September. A simple traybake allows these vegetables to shine. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously and roast until caramelised and golden.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a side, add it to grains like quinoa or couscous for a hearty salad, or serve with hummus for a complete plant-based meal.
- Spiced Chai Pears (Vegan)
Pears are another seasonal gem in September. Poached in a fragrant chai syrup infused with cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cardamom, they make an elegant dessert that feels both comforting and refined.
At Happy Journeys, we believe food brings families together and inspires curiosity in little ones. Try one of these recipes and make your September table warm and joyful.
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