By Shelby Morrison
The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and our cravings for comfort food is on the horizon. Cooking up something warm and comforting is practically all we want during this time of year. Using fall foods to create a delicious and hearty meal in your restaurant will appeal to all your customers and make them feel at home. Consider adding some seasonal fall dishes to your menu with these ideas below.
Stew
Call it what you want, but a collection of simmered meat and root vegetables can easily be transformed into the tastiest, warmest, heartiest meal. With tons of protein and fiber, this is a full meal in one bowl.
Soup
Similar to stew, soup is also something we crave during the colder months. There are plenty of soups to add to your menu, including butternut squash, chicken noodle, lentil and minestrone, among many others. After throwing in a variety of different ingredients, just make sure to season it well and allow it to simmer long enough for its full flavour potential.
Vegetable side dishes
This can vary from anything that is in season including Brussels sprouts, squash and sweet potato. Whether you use these vegetables in a salad, or roast them with spices and other ingredients, the recipe ideas are endless. Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and then drizzle with balsamic glaze and pomegranate seeds. You may also consider adding squash or sweet potato to a delicious fall salad with kale and farro, for example. Incorporating fall vegetables into your menu will be nothing but satisfying and delicious.
Apple Pie
You may ask yourself what to do with all those apples you picked, or all the local apples currently available may intrigue you. The obvious answer is some sort of apple dessert such as apple pie or apple crumble. Nothing says fall more than the smell and taste of warm apples, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pumpkin Pie
One more item that clearly represents fall is pumpkin pie. Those flavours of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice can be so comforting during this time of year. Whether you whip up a delicious and creamy pumpkin pie or try something new such as a pumpkin parfait, ice cream or spice cake, your guests will truly appreciate the seasonal dish.
These fall flavours and dishes will draw customers out of hibernation on these chilly days and into your restaurant to stay warm and well fed. Consider getting creative with all that fall has to offer.
