Plant-Based Fall Essentials: 5 Must-Have Foods for a Cozy Autumn

Butternut Squash

Winter squash is versatile and nutrient-rich, making it the star of the fall season’s produce selection. When cooked, butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for countless dishes. 

What makes it essential?  

• Warming Soups: Blend roasted squash with a little coconut milk and warming spices for a rich and creamy soup. This soup pairs well with fall vegetables such as brussel sprouts or can be served on its own. For serving, garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pepitas, and accompany with crusty bread. 
• Hearty Roasts: Dice the squash into cubes along with other root vegetables, add lemon slices, and herbs like rosemary and sage for a perfect sheet-pan roast.  
• Comforting Pasta Dishes: Purée the squash into a rich sauce for a pasta or lasagna bake.  

Apples

Crisp, sweet, and perfectly in season, apples are the fall fruit. Apples are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and they can be enjoyed in a wide variety of dishes. 

What makes them essential? 

• Seasonal Baking: Create a classic vegan apple crisp, or slice and bake them (in an air fryer!)with cinnamon for a simple, warm dessert. 
• Simple Snack: Enjoy them on their own by slicing them and topping them with a dollop of almond butter for a protein-rich treat. For adventurous apple lovers, try it “New Mexican-style” with lemon, Tajín, or chamoy.  
• Warm Beverage: Make your own spiced-apple cider for a soothing autumn drink.   

Lentils

Lentils are a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegan staple that can be used in a variety of warming dishes. Create enticing soups, chili, or bowls with a New Mexico flavor.  

What makes them essential? 

• Thickening Soups and Stews: A handful of lentils can add body and additional nutrients to any fall soup or stew.  Try this plant-based Lentil Pumpkin Stew for a meal that is destined to become a fall favorite. 
• Hearty Main Courses: Use them as the base for savory vegan shepherd’s pie or a robust chili with roasted green chile.  
• Versatile Filling: Cooked lentils can add texture and protein to wraps, salads, and grain bowls.  

Sweet Potatoes

With their vibrant orange color and sweet, earthy flavor, sweet potatoes are another fall favorite. Sweet potatoes, and their many varieties, including deep orange, purple, and white, are packed with vitamins A and C and are high in fiber. You can include them in casseroles, make hashes, or in a roasted veggie root bowl.   

What makes them essential? 

• Creamy Casseroles: Create a delicious, plant-based sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecans. Perfect for Thanksgiving!  
• Satisfying Hashes: Dice the sweet potatoes and cook them with bell peppers for a savory and hearty breakfast hash. Add black beans, pepitas, greens, and top with green chile for a delicious New Mexico bowl. 
• Loaded Skins: Bake the sweet potatoes and stuff with your favorite chili, beans, or vegetables for a complete meal. Top with green chile to make it New Mexican. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice