Seasonal cooking is an excellent way to make the most of the fresh ingredients that nature offers us in each season of the year. Seasonal products are not only tastier and more nutritious, but they are also more economical, since their production is abundant. In addition, cooking with these ingredients can be an ideal way to vary our diet and discover new flavors and combinations. Today at KuokoKitchen we propose some simple recipes with seasonal ingredients that you can easily prepare at home.
1. Pumpkin and carrot soup
Pumpkin is one of the most outstanding seasonal products during autumn and winter. It is versatile, inexpensive and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with other vegetables. An easy and comforting recipe is pumpkin and carrot soup, ideal for cold days.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin
- 3 carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 750 ml of vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Peel the pumpkin and carrots, and cut them into small pieces.
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until golden brown.
- Add the pumpkin and carrots, and cover with the vegetable stock. Cook over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the mixture with a hand blender until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, accompanied by some toasted whole wheat bread if desired.
This soup is one of the easiest seasonal recipes to make and is full of flavor and nutrients, thanks to the pumpkin and carrots, which are perfect in the colder months.
2. Spinach and apple salad with mustard vinaigrette
Spinach is another seasonal ingredient, especially in the fall and winter. This fresh and light salad is a great way to enjoy spinach, combined with apple, walnuts and a mustard vinaigrette for a special touch.
Ingredients:
- 150 g fresh spinach
- 1 green apple
- 50 g walnuts
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Wash the spinach well and place in a large bowl.
- Cut the apple into thin slices and add to the bowl with the spinach.
- Toast the walnuts in a frying pan without oil for a few minutes until golden brown, and add them to the salad.
- For the vinaigrette, combine the mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a jar and shake well.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve as a side dish or as a main course for a light meal.
This spinach salad with apple is perfect for the warmer days of the season, but can also be enjoyed all year round, as spinach is an ingredient available during several seasons.
3. Mushroom and caramelized onion pizza
Mushrooms are in season during the fall and are an excellent choice for dishes like pizza. This recipe for mushroom pizza with caramelized onions is delicious and easy to prepare, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 200 g fresh mushrooms
- 1 red onion
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- In a frying pan, heat a little olive oil and add the thinly sliced onion. Cook over low heat, adding the sugar to caramelize it, for about 15 minutes, until golden brown and soft.
- Wash and thinly slice the mushrooms.
- Spread the pizza dough on a baking sheet and cover with a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the caramelized onions and mushrooms over the cheese.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot, and enjoy a delicious seasonal pizza!
This recipe is a perfect option for casual dinners and takes advantage of seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms and onions, which are at their best during the fall months.
Seasonal foods are a delicious and healthy option to vary our diet throughout the year. Taking advantage of seasonal ingredients allows us to enjoy fresh and tasty recipes, as well as being a way to support local agriculture and reduce our carbon footprint. With these simple recipes, you can make the most of each season’s ingredients, enjoying delicious and nutritious dishes for the whole family.