As the leaves turn golden and a chill fills the air, our kitchens beckon with the promise of hearty, comforting meals. Autumn is the season of “big cooking,” as Nigel Slater calls it—a time to linger over simmering stews, braised vegetables, and aromatic soups. It’s a shift in gear from summer’s quick, light fare to dishes that take their time, filling our homes with enticing scents and our bellies with satisfying flavors.
Embracing Autumn’s Bounty
As Slater explains, autumn brings a wealth of ingredients perfect for robust cooking. Golden-skinned onions, woody-stemmed herbs, hearty root vegetables, and earthy mushrooms all play starring roles in the season’s most irresistible dishes. Beans and grains provide a satisfying foundation, while rich stocks and red wines lend depth and complexity.
One of the joys of autumn cooking is the anticipation it builds. From the moment you start sautéing onions and herbs, tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. Many dishes, like Slater’s sausage and butter bean stew, only improve with time, making them perfect for preparing ahead and reheating on busy weeknights.
Sausages and Beans: A Classic Combo
Speaking of that stew, it’s a prime example of the robust flavors autumn has to offer. Plump sausages, creamy beans, vegetables, and herbs meld into a dish that’s simultaneously hearty and comforting. As Slater notes, it’s adaptable too—use your favorite sausages, whether peppery breakfast links or spicy chorizo.
This is one of those recipes that reheats well.
Nigel Slater on his sausage and bean stew
Serve with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the delicious juices. It’s a meal that will warm you inside and out on the chilliest of evenings.
Braised Tomatoes with a Twist
Slater also gives the humble tomato an autumnal makeover by slow-roasting them with shallots and herbs until they’re soft, slightly charred, and bursting with concentrated flavor. A generous drizzle of tahini sauce provides a creamy, nutty counterpoint that elevates the dish to new heights.
It’s a prime example of how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special with a bit of time and technique. Serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread—these tomatoes are sure to steal the show.
Soups to Warm the Soul
Of course, no exploration of autumn cooking would be complete without a nod to soup. Slater’s red lentil soup is a shining example, simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and a bright squeeze of lime. It’s the kind of soup that nourishes body and soul, perfect for sipping from a mug on a blustery day.
For mushroom lovers, Slater’s bourguignon is a must-try. Heady with red wine, shallots, and herbs, it’s a vegetarian spin on the classic French dish that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor. Spoon it over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
Celebrating the Season
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, there’s no better time to embrace the pleasures of cooking. Autumn, with its abundant produce and inviting chill, practically begs us to linger in the kitchen, stirring pots of stew and inhaling the aromas of roasting vegetables.
There is a depth to this season’s cooking that the summer’s lacks.
Nigel Slater on the joys of autumn in the kitchen
So as the leaves fall and the winds blow, take a cue from Nigel Slater and embrace the robust, soothing flavors of the season. Fill your pot with beans, stack your cutting board with root veggies and mushrooms, and let the alchemy of slow cooking work its magic. Your kitchen will be warm, your belly will be full, and your spirit will be nourished. That’s the beauty of autumn, one ladle at a time.
