As we step into autumn, the time has come to embrace warming stews, fragrant soups, and rich bakes that bring cosiness to your table. Autumn’s produce is vibrant, earthy, and perfect for creating dishes that nourish both body and soul. At Willowbrook Foods, we love celebrating the changing seasons by making the most of fresh, local ingredients. Northern Ireland is abundant with autumnal vegetables like pumpkins, butternut squash, and root vegetables—all perfect for creating comforting meals. To help you get into the spirit of the season, we’ve put together a few delicious recipe ideas for autumn dishes.
Roasted Pumpkin & Thyme Soup: A Cosy Autumn Favourite
This simple Roasted Pumpkin & Thyme Soup is full of comforting flavours and is perfect for those brisk autumn evenings. The natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin pairs beautifully with thyme, and it’s all finished off with a rich, creamy texture.
Roasted Pumpkin & Thyme Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin (peeled, deseeded, and chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (whole, unpeeled)
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Olive oil
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
- Salt & pepper to taste
- A swirl of cream (optional)
Method:
- Roast the pumpkin: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Spread the chopped pumpkin, garlic, and a few sprigs of thyme on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until the pumpkin is golden and tender.
- Sauté the onion: In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over a medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add the roasted pumpkin: Remove the garlic from its skins and add it to the pot with the onion. Stir in the roasted pumpkin and thyme. Add the stock and bring to a simmer.
- Blend: Use a hand blender to purée the soup until smooth. You can add more stock if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. For a touch of indulgence, add a swirl of cream before serving. Enjoy with warm, crusty bread for the perfect autumnal meal.
This soup captures everything we love about autumn—simple, delicious, and full of seasonal flavour.
More Autumn Dishes to Enjoy
Autumn is a time to get creative in the kitchen, and with so many seasonal ingredients available, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few more hearty recipes that make the most of autumn’s bounty:
Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto
Butternut squash, with its natural sweetness, is a perfect match for the earthy flavour of sage. A creamy risotto is the ideal way to combine these ingredients into a comforting dish. Top with crispy sage leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra touch of luxury.
Slow-Cooked Beef & Root Vegetable Stew
Nothing beats the rich, warming taste of a slow-cooked stew. This recipe combines tender beef with a variety of autumn root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. After slow-cooking in a fragrant broth for hours, the result is a dish that’s bursting with flavour and perfect for cold evenings.
Apple & Blackberry Crumble
For dessert, celebrate the best of the season’s fruit with a classic Apple & Blackberry Crumble. The combination of sweet, tart apples and juicy blackberries is a perfect match for a buttery crumble topping. Serve warm with a dollop of custard or cream for an indulgent end to any meal.
Why Cooking with Seasonal Ingredients is Important
At Willowbrook Foods, we believe in the importance of using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Not only does cooking with seasonal produce mean you’re enjoying food at its freshest and most flavourful, but it also supports local farmers and helps reduce food miles. It’s a simple way to make your meals more sustainable while enjoying the best that nature has to offer.
Autumn is a particularly special time in Northern Ireland, as it brings an abundance of fresh, local ingredients that are perfect for hearty, comforting dishes. By cooking with what’s in season, you can create meals that not only taste great but also reflect the rhythms of the year.
Celebrate the Cosy Season with Willowbrook Foods
At Willowbrook Foods, we’re proud to offer a range of fresh, locally-sourced products that help you make the most of each season. Autumn is a time for slowing down, enjoying cosy moments with loved ones, and celebrating the richness of seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re making a simple soup or a show-stopping main course, we have everything you need to create nourishing, delicious meals that are full of flavour.
This autumn, let’s celebrate the cosy season by bringing the best of Northern Ireland’s produce into our kitchens. With hearty, wholesome dishes like Roasted Pumpkin & Thyme Soup, you’ll be embracing the warmth and comfort of autumn with every bite.