Can you sense it? That subtle hint of fall lingering in the air—its faint aroma during morning strolls, and the thrill I feel at the thought of pumpkin dishes, cozy sweaters, and the welcome relief from the scorching Texas heat.
Every season offers a chance to pause, step back from the hustle, and breathe deeply. It's a moment to appreciate the simple joys that await us as we transition into a new season. As September rolls in, you might be curious about what's ripe and ready to eat. Get excited! The late summer harvest provides a perfect foundation for those comforting fall recipes we crave. Here's a rundown of September's seasonal produce and 9 delightful dinners to whip up this month.
image: michelle nash for our interview with jessie and brian de lowe
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Navel Oranges
- Eggplant
- Skillet Eggplant Lasagna
- Mushrooms
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Orange-Marinated Steak with Chimichurri & Padron Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Cauliflower
Selecting the Best:
Choose cauliflower heads that are compact and firm. At farmer's markets and many stores, heirloom varieties boast incredible flavor and texture. My favorites include orange cauliflower and Romanesco.
Recipe Idea:
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Pesto
These vegan, gluten-free roasted cauliflower tacos are a must-try. The cauliflower is seasoned, oven-charred, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, and topped with a cilantro pesto that's simply irresistible. Add some tasty toppings like pickled red onion, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Perfect for entertaining, you can prepare everything ahead of time and serve at room temperature.
Cucumbers
Selecting the Best:
Look for firm, spotless cucumbers with a vibrant dark green hue. Avoid those with yellow spots, as they may be overripe.
Recipe Idea:
Roasted Salmon with Spicy Cucumber-Orange Salsa
This perfectly cooked salmon pairs beautifully with a spicy cucumber-orange salsa. The cool cucumber cubes, fresh dill, fish sauce, and zesty orange create a salsa bursting with summer flavors.
Navel Oranges
Selecting the Best:
When selecting navel oranges, choose ones that feel heavy, indicating juiciness. The skin should be firm, avoiding any soft spots. A fragrant orange signals freshness!
Recipe Idea:
Simple Citrus Salad
This refreshing citrus salad is a delightful palette cleanser. Juicy orange slices combine with salty Marcona almonds, sharp red onion, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of EVOO for a vibrant dish.
Eggplant
Selecting the Best:
Choose eggplants that feel heavy and have smooth, shiny skin. Avoid wrinkled varieties, as they may be bitter. A green stem suggests freshness.
Recipe Idea:
Skillet Eggplant Lasagna
This one-pan eggplant lasagna is perfect for cozy evenings. It lightens up traditional lasagna while keeping all the comforting flavors intact. Eggplant and spinach add nutrition without sacrificing the cheesy goodness of the classic dish.
Mushrooms
Selecting the Best:
To ensure freshness, choose firm, smooth, and dry mushrooms. Steer clear of slimy ones to maximize their shelf life.
Recipe Idea:
Garlicky Mushroom Pasta with Sausage and Arugula
This delicious pasta features Italian sausage for a savory touch, while still highlighting the mushrooms and peppery arugula. The mushrooms are seared for added flavor, making this dish a must-try!
Peaches
Selecting the Best:
For the ripest peaches, give them a gentle squeeze. Those with a slight give are the juiciest. Locally sourced peaches are often fresher.
Recipe Idea:
Peach, Pesto, and Balsamic Pizza
This homemade pizza features a delightful blend of peaches, pesto, and balsamic glaze—a perfect marriage of sweet and savory. Top it off with creamy burrata and fresh herbs for a delicious experience.
Peppers
Selecting the Best:
Choose peppers with firm skin and fresh stems. Heavier peppers often indicate fresh seeds and sturdy walls.
Recipe Idea:
Orange-Marinated Steak with Chimichurri & Padron Peppers
This marbled steak is marinated in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, onion, garlic, and chile flakes, then grilled to perfection. Top it with blistered Padron peppers for a flavorful finish.
Tomatoes
Selecting the Best:
Locally-grown tomatoes are the best choice, as they are fresher. Look for consistent coloring and a heavy feel for ripeness.
Recipe Idea:
Ratatouille-Style Roasted Vegetable Pasta
This dish transforms ratatouille into a pasta delight, showcasing late-summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers. Large rigatoni noodles coated in olive oil and parmesan create the perfect vehicle for those roasted veggies.
Zucchini
Selecting the Best:
When choosing zucchini, opt for vibrant colors and intact stems. Look for zucchinis that are six to eight inches long, avoiding overly large ones.
Recipe Idea:
Spaghetti Alla Nerano
This pasta dish showcases zucchini in two forms—pan-fried and blended into the sauce. Tossed with butter, grated parmesan, and fresh basil, it's a light and delectable dinner perfect for September.
