Visit Your Local Farmers’ Market and Try These Fall Harvest Recipes

October 06, 2021

The leaves are starting to change colors. Your shoes crunch dried fallen leaves on the sidewalk. You smell pumpkin spice and apple cider everywhere. Fall is in the air! 

 

The autumn season is upon us, and that means serving delicious dishes to family and friends. Fall is the season of gathering, expressing our gratitude for our loved ones. What better way to show your love than healthy fall foods? 

 

Support your local farmers by visiting fall farmers’ markets in your area. Farmers’ markets are the best place to get fresh, savory vegetables at a low price. With farm-fresh vegetables, your fall recipes will amaze anyone who grabs a spoonful!

Healthy Fall Recipes 

We have gathered a list of tasty fall dishes to share with your friends and family. These recipes are simple, yet they pack a flavor punch in the best way. Anyone can be a fall harvest chef with the right farm-fresh ingredients!

Maple-Roasted Chicken with Veggies

This dish is sure to satisfy anyone who loves a blend of sweet and savory fall food. The maple-roasted chicken and sweet potato combined with the flavorful Brussels sprouts give your dish the perfect flavor profile. This roast treat is a great meal to prepare for the fall holidays!

Ingredients

For this sweet and savory recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

 

• 4 skinned chicken thighs
• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts
• 1 pound of sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons of dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons of toasted pecans
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
• 4 teaspoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• Nonstick spray

 

We recommend gathering fresh vegetables and spices from your local farmers’ markets. 

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, the thyme, 1 teaspoon of oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Set this bowl aside until step 9.
3. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes and halve the Brussels sprouts. Put these together in a second bowl and add the rest of the oil, salt, and pepper. 
4. Toss the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts to coat them in the seasoning. 
5. Put aluminum foil on a large baking pan (15x10 inches) and heat this pan in the oven for about five minutes. 
6. Remove the pan from the oven and spray nonstick cooking spray onto the foil. 
7. Put the chicken thighs onto the pan and cover them with the chopped vegetables from the second bowl. 
8. Roast the chicken and vegetables for 15 minutes. 
9. Turn the chicken and vegetables over and brush them with the maple syrup mixture in the first bowl. Place them back in the oven for 15 more minutes or until the chicken reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit internally. 
10. Before serving, top the dish with roasted pecans and dried cranberries. 
11. Serve and enjoy!

 

This fall harvest meal is very health-conscious, boasting only 436 calories per serving. You also get a hearty helping of vegetables, which contain essential vitamins and minerals. 

Harvest Veggie Salad

The unique flavor combinations in this fall-themed salad will leave your guests begging for more! This healthy salad makes a wonderful appetizer before a hearty fall meal. 

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the Harvest Veggie Salad:

 

• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, sliced
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• ¼ cup of toasted hazelnuts
• 1 ounce of pecorino cheese
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons of pure honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

For the best flavor profile, use fresh ingredients that have been prepared from a local farm. We also recommend sourcing your honey ethically from your local beekeepers. 

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a bowl for the dressing. Mix the dressing ingredients until you achieve a thin consistency.
2. Shave 1 ounce of pecorino cheese and set it aside. 
3. Add the shallots, Brussels sprouts, apple, and hazelnuts into a separate bowl. 
4. Toss all dish ingredients together to combine and make a salad. 

 

This salad is a tasty way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your fall meals. The combination of apple, hazelnut, and pecorino cheese creates a unique, savory experience.

Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

Need a hot dish to warm up on a chilly autumn day? This hearty butternut squash soup recipe is easy, nutritious, and comforting. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort food to save on calories. 

Ingredients

To make this delicious butternut squash soup, you will need the following ingredients:

 

• 1 large butternut squash (approximately 3 pounds)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3½ cups of vegetable broth
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, chopped (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of fresh or ground ginger (or to taste)
• Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh herbs from your local farmers’ market, chopped (sage, rosemary, etc.)

 

You can add your desired amount of fresh herbs and taste test it to determine what is best for you and your guests. You may eyeball these ingredients; this recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste. 

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the olive oil to a deep pan or pot on the stove. 
2. Brown the onion in the salt and pepper on low heat until it’s soft. 
3. Chop, seed, and add the butternut squash so it can soften as well.
4. Add the fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, and vegetable broth. 
5. Bring the mixture to a boil by covering and turning up the heat. 
6. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture. 
7. Simmer until the butternut squash is thoroughly cooked through and soft. 
8. Once the squash is cooked, blend the whole mixture to your desired consistency. Add more vegetable broth if it is too thick. 
9. Serve with desired garnishes and toppings.

 

This soup is a hearty fall vegetable delight. Your guests will be downing this stuff by the gallon if you let them!

Remain Healthful in the Fall

With the arrays of baked goods and sugary indulgences, it’s no wonder that fall is the season of bloating and weight gain. You don’t have to pack on the pounds to enjoy delicious harvest recipes. 

 

Shop local and support the farmers’ markets in your area. Their fresh, healthy vegetables are a great defense against the upcoming holiday sugar rush. You can remain energetic and vibrant while indulging in delicious fall meals. 

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