September marks the perfect opportunity to transition your meal planning towards hearty soups, stews, and sandwiches. From the rich aroma of simmering spices to the satisfying crunch of fall vegetables, these types dishes offer a blend of warmth and taste. Classic fall recipes are not only delicious but also provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Let’s dive into fall meal planning and grab some tips on making the perfect stew, too.
Gearing Up the Pantry for Fall
To make the most of meal planning, be sure to stock the pantry with fall staples. Fall tends to offer some of the best selections of fruits and veggies out there. Here are a few suggestions of some essential pantry staples that you’ll want to have on hand for any soup or stew you cook up this fall.
- Root Vegetables – the backbone to a good soup or stew, root vegetables add flavor and nutrition to your meal. Be sure to stock up on sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips to name a few.
- Pumpkins and Squash – butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin puree are versatile ingredients that can be used to create creamy and flavorful dishes.
- Apples and Pears – these fruits can add a touch of sweetness and tartness to soups and stews. And, these fruits are great in your fall desserts, too.
- Dried Herbs – thyme, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, paprika, and chili powder are classic herb choices that complement and add flavor to any fall meal. Make sure your spice cabinet has the freshest of these dried herbs.
- Spices – fall spices, like ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves can add warmth to any dish. Again, you’ll want to have the freshest of these, as out of date spices are less flavorful.
- Pasta, Grains, Beans and Lentils – pasta and grains like rice, barley, and oats provide a satisfying texture and nutritional boost to soups. Beans and lentils are a great source of protein and fiber.
- Stocks and Broths – nothing compares to making your own, but having some organic stocks or broths, like veggie, chicken and/or beef are essential for creating a flavorful base for any soups and stews you make.
Soups, Stews and Sandwiches: Themed Menu Ideas for September
From classic comfort foods to unique and flavorful creations, embrace the flavors of fall and get inspired with these meal suggestions or create your own. Be sure to make extra so that you can have a hot meal ready to go on busy nights. Soups and stews freeze well when frozen properly. Use freezer-safe containers to store any leftovers, or use food storage bags to save space in the freezer.
Fall Soups
Whether you prefer a cream-based soup or a more hearty soup, any of these fall soups can be made in advance and can be frozen for later. Pair with a salad or sandwich to complete the meal.
Hearty Stews
Warm up on those chillier nights with a comforting and filling fall stew. Consider the comfort of a classic stew or try incorporating fall vegetables into a unique meal that everyone will love.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are perfect on their own or as a “side dish” to any soup or stew. From a classic sandwich to a sweet and savory sandwich, the options are deliciously endless.
Seasonal Desserts
Fall presents an opportunity to make some of the best tasting desserts. Since apples and pumpkins are in season, consider trying out one of these desserts to accompany your meal.
Stews Versus Chilis – What’s the Difference?
Stews and chili are both hearty, comforting dishes that involve simmering ingredients in a liquid. But, there are some differences to each type of dish. Stews are typically thicker than a chili (or soup) and contain a variety of more solid ingredients. Chili, on the other hand, is typically meat-based, and contains a specific set of spices, like chili powder and cumin, and is usually “thinner” as compared to stew. Both are delicious and you certainly can’t go wrong with one over the other.
Five Tips for Making the Perfect Stew
Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, creating the perfect stew is easy. From browning the meat to simmering the stew slowly, these five simple tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Use a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker, or crock pot, is the easiest way to make stew. Cooking your stew slowly for a few hours allows all the flavors to come together and helps the meat become tender. And, crock pot liners make for easy cleanup, too.
- Brown your meat. Browning the meat before adding it to the stew helps develop a rich and flavorful base.
- Use lots of vegetables. Using a variety of vegetables that are available during the fall season, like pumpkin, makes any stew flavorful as well as nutritious.
- Thicken your stew. If there is too much liquid in the stew, thicken it up by creating a slurry. Take one tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) and mix with two tablespoons of cold water or broth. Mix the slurry together until smooth and add to the stew’s liquid and allow it to thicken.
- Season well. Be sure to taste your stew for seasoning and adjust as needed.
A Hearty Month of Meal Inspiration
Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, a hearty stew, or a sandwich to accompany your meal, fall offers a variety of meal options for everyone to enjoy. These fall dishes are perfect to make ahead and freeze for those busy nights, too. And, by incorporating seasonal ingredients and experimenting with different flavors, you can create wonderful family meals and desserts that embrace the flavors of the fall season. For more meal inspiration, be sure to check out past menu plans. And, don’t forget about dessert, too.
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