There’s no doubt…
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.
Not just the cool, crisp days and the color of the leaves….
But also the abundance, spices, and warmth of good food.
Including pumpkin spice chai latte.
So, for this week, I thought it would be great to share some of my favorite fall recipes.
They’re cozy but healthy… and vegetarian.
And, as you probably know by now, keeping belly fit is partly about eating healthy, but it’s mostly about eating habits.
So, here’s to eating slow, choosing smaller dishes (maybe those cute bowls on Wayfair!), and not stuffing ourselves like turkeys.
We’ve got this.
Enjoy.
1. Butternut Squash Soup
I make this one every year. It’s actually based on a recipe I got from O Magazine, circa 2005.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks
- 5 to 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 3 McIntosh apples, unpeeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery. Stir and cook until tender and lightly browned. Add squash and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add vegetable broth, cinnamon, and cardamom. Bring it all to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes. Add apples and vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and puree in batches in a food processor or blender. Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt if desired.
2. Vegetarian Chili
This is an absolute staple in our house come fall. Even my youngest daughter, who has always been our pickiest eater, frequently requests this dish.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 green peppers, chopped
- 2 828-ml cans chopped tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 540-ml can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 540-ml can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 tsp chili seasoning
- 1 cup frozen corn niblets
- 1 bunch chopped cilantro
- 1 1-lb package textured vegetable protein (optional)
In large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper. Stir and cook until tender, and onion slightly browned. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, black beans, red kidney beans, and chili seasoning. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Add corn and vegetable protein and cook a further 5 minutes or until desired thickness. Serve with extra chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado.
3. Spicy Sweet Potato and Green Rice Burrito Bowl
A great, filling, flavourful meal. In addition to the sweet potatoes and beans, I sometimes add a small filet of salmon. I bake it using the same spices as on the sweet potatoes. Yummy!
Here’s the link to the recipe on the Cookie + Kate website:: https://cookieandkate.com/vegan-sweet-potato-green-rice-burrito-bowls/
4. Mulligatawny Soup
So many amazing flavors and colors in this one. I love Indian food, and the aroma of this soup brings the best of India into my kitchen.
Here’s the link to the recipe on The Wanderlust Kitchen website: https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/indian-mulligatawny-soup/
5. Chai Tea
Best beverage ever, especially on a cool fall evening… If you can’t find cardamom pods, I suggest putting two teaspoons of cardamom in a tea bag. Also, I replace the regular milk with almond or oat milk, and usually halve the sugar.
Here’s the link to the recipe on the Epicurious website: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/homemade-chai-201226
What are your favorite, healthy fall recipes?
I’d love to hear from you.
Post in the comments your favorite fall meal, including a link to the recipe if possible.
As I type this, it’s the first really cool day of the end of summer…
And fall is truly in the air.
It’s on days like this that I like to spend more time in the kitchen, cooking soups and chilis and stews on the weekend.
And it’s a time when I enjoy getting outdoors for walks and hikes.
And it’s also a time when I feel the need to read a good book, rest, and recharge.
I think fall is the best season for self-care.
If you’re ready to care for yourself this fall, I’m here to support you.
Connect with me if you’re ready to talk about it.
And keep moving forward,
Debbie
P.S. I kicked off my Belly Fat to Belly Fit Group Coaching Program and Belly Fit Yoga this week… and there’s still a space for you in both!
Connect with me at debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.com if you’re tired of putting it off… and just join us already!