As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves change colors, our taste buds begin to crave heartier, warmer dishes that evoke a sense of comfort and coziness. November is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and inspiring ideas for what to cook in November.
Seasonal Ingredients to Look Out For
Before we dive into specific recipes, let’s take a look at some of the seasonal ingredients that are at their peak in November. These ingredients will add freshness, flavor, and texture to your dishes, and are a great starting point for planning your meals.
Fall Fruits
November is a great time to enjoy a variety of fall fruits, including:
- Apples: With over 7,000 varieties to choose from, apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from savory dishes to sweet desserts.
- Pears: Whether you prefer them sweet and ripe or tart and firm, pears are a delicious addition to any meal.
- Quince: This fragrant, golden fruit is often used in jams and preserves, but can also be used in savory dishes like stews and braises.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are a staple of fall cooking, and November is a great time to enjoy them. Some popular varieties include:
- Carrots: Whether you prefer them sweet and baby-sized or large and gnarled, carrots are a delicious addition to any meal.
- Beets: With their sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color, beets are a great addition to salads, soups, and side dishes.
- Turnips: These humble roots are often overlooked, but are a delicious addition to soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes.
Brassicas
Brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are at their peak in November. These nutritious vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.
Hearty Stews and Braises
As the weather cools down, our bodies start to crave heartier, more comforting dishes. Stews and braises are a great way to warm up on a chilly fall evening, and can be made with a variety of seasonal ingredients.
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This classic stew is a staple of fall cooking, and is made with tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.
| Ingredients: | 2 pounds beef stew meat, 2 carrots, 2 turnips, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste |
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| Instructions: | Brown the beef in a large Dutch oven, then add the onion, garlic, carrots, and turnips. Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste, and simmer until the vegetables are tender. |
Lamb Shanks with Quince and Carrots
This hearty braise is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly fall evening. The quince adds a sweet, fragrant flavor to the dish, while the carrots add a pop of color and texture.
| Ingredients: | 4 lamb shanks, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 carrots, 1 quince, 1 cup lamb broth, 1 tablespoon honey |
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| Instructions: | Brown the lamb shanks in a large Dutch oven, then add the onion, garlic, carrots, and quince. Pour in the lamb broth and honey, and simmer until the meat is tender. |
Roasted Vegetable Dishes
Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness in vegetables, and can be used to make a variety of delicious side dishes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Onions
This delicious side dish is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The apples add a sweet, crunchy texture to the dish, while the onions add a depth of flavor.
| Ingredients: | 1 pound Brussels sprouts, 1 large onion, 2 apples, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste |
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| Instructions: | Toss the Brussels sprouts, onion, and apples with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. |
Roasted Carrots with Harissa and Pine Nuts
This spicy, flavorful side dish is a great way to add some excitement to your fall meals. The harissa adds a bold, spicy flavor, while the pine nuts add a crunchy texture.
| Ingredients: | 4 large carrots, 2 tablespoons harissa, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste |
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| Instructions: | Toss the carrots with harissa, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until the carrots are tender and caramelized. |
Warm and Comforting Desserts
As the weather cools down, our bodies start to crave warm, comforting desserts. November is a great time to experiment with new dessert recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients.
Apple Crisp with Oatmeal and Brown Sugar
This classic dessert is a staple of fall cooking, and is made with tender apples, crunchy oatmeal, and a sweet, caramelized topping.
| Ingredients: | 6 apples, 1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 2 tablespoons butter |
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| Instructions: | Toss the apples with oatmeal, brown sugar, nuts, and butter. Bake in the oven until the apples are tender and the topping is caramelized. |
Pear Frangipane Tart with Almonds and Cream
This elegant dessert is a perfect way to end a fall meal. The pears add a sweet, buttery flavor, while the almonds add a crunchy texture.
| Ingredients: | 2 pears, 1 cup almond paste, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 pie crust |
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| Instructions: | Toss the pears with almond paste, heavy cream, and butter. Pour into a pie crust and bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden. |
In conclusion, November is a great time to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients. From hearty stews and braises to roasted vegetable dishes and warm, comforting desserts, there are countless delicious options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, we hope these ideas have inspired you to try something new and delicious this November.
What are some popular ingredients used in November recipes?
November recipes often feature seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts. These ingredients are not only delicious but also provide a warm and cozy feel to the dishes. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to salads and baked goods.
Some other popular ingredients used in November recipes include sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. These root vegetables are perfect for hearty and comforting dishes, such as stews and casseroles. They can also be roasted or mashed for a delicious side dish. Additionally, November is a great time to use fresh herbs like sage and thyme, which add a lot of flavor to many dishes.
What are some delicious November recipes for a weeknight dinner?
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, consider making a hearty soup or stew. A butternut squash soup or a beef stew with root vegetables are both delicious options. You can also make a roasted chicken with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. These recipes are perfect for a weeknight dinner because they are easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.
Another great option for a weeknight dinner is a casserole. A sweet potato casserole with ground beef and vegetables is a delicious and comforting option. You can also make a vegetarian casserole with roasted vegetables and quinoa. These casseroles are great because they can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat.
What are some delicious November recipes for a special occasion?
For a special occasion, consider making a more elaborate dish like a roasted turkey with all the trimmings. You can also make a delicious beef or pork roast with roasted vegetables. These recipes are perfect for a special occasion because they are impressive and delicious.
Another great option for a special occasion is a seasonal tart or pie. A pumpkin pie or an apple tart are both delicious options. You can also make a savory tart with ingredients like caramelized onions and sweet potatoes. These tarts and pies are great because they are easy to make and can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
Can I make November recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many November recipes can be made ahead of time. Soups and stews can be made a day or two in advance and reheated when you’re ready to eat. Casseroles can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven. These recipes are great because they can be made ahead of time, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Some recipes, like roasted vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes, can also be made ahead of time. These recipes can be made a day in advance and reheated when you’re ready to eat. However, some recipes, like roasted meats, are best made fresh. These recipes are best made on the day you plan to serve them, as they can dry out if reheated.
How can I make November recipes healthier?
There are many ways to make November recipes healthier. One way is to use less oil and butter. Instead of using a lot of oil to roast vegetables, try using a small amount of oil and seasoning with herbs and spices. You can also use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream or whole milk.
Another way to make November recipes healthier is to use more vegetables and less meat. Consider making a vegetarian or vegan version of your favorite recipe. You can also use leaner meats like chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork. Additionally, try to use more whole grains like quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice or pasta.
What are some delicious November recipes for vegetarians and vegans?
There are many delicious November recipes that are perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Consider making a hearty vegetable stew or a roasted vegetable casserole. You can also make a delicious vegan soup with ingredients like lentils and sweet potatoes.
Another great option for vegetarians and vegans is a seasonal tart or pie. A pumpkin pie or an apple tart are both delicious options. You can also make a savory tart with ingredients like caramelized onions and sweet potatoes. These tarts and pies are great because they are easy to make and can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
How can I make November recipes more flavorful?
There are many ways to make November recipes more flavorful. One way is to use more herbs and spices. Consider adding fresh herbs like sage and thyme to your recipes. You can also use dried herbs like oregano and basil. Additionally, try using more spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to add warmth and depth to your recipes.
Another way to make November recipes more flavorful is to use more aromatics like onions and garlic. These ingredients add a lot of flavor to many dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes. You can also try using more acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar to add brightness and balance to your recipes.