Autumn in the Kitchen: Seasonal Vegetables and Quick Dishes with Pumpkin, Zucchini, and Plums

Autumn is the season when market stalls overflow with colourful vegetables and fruits. Among them, pumpkin, zucchini, and plums reign supreme – ingredients that not only delight with their taste but also make it easy to prepare quick, healthy meals. With a little creativity, an everyday lunch can turn into a culinary feast.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is the true star of autumn. Its delicate, slightly nutty flavour works beautifully in both savoury and sweet dishes. On chilly days, try pumpkin cream soup with ginger and coconut milk – warming, aromatic, and ready in 20 minutes. Another quick idea is roasted pumpkin with olive oil, garlic, and thyme – a great side for meat or salads.

Zucchini

Although often associated with summer, zucchini is still full of flavour in September and October. It’s a quick-cooking vegetable – just a few minutes in the pan and you have a light ratatouille with tomatoes and peppers. You can also slice it, coat in olive oil and spices, then bake in the oven – simple yet delicious.

Plums

Plums are a real treasure in the autumn kitchen. Their sweetness and tartness perfectly balance the flavours of meat dishes – duck, pork loin, or beef. You can make a quick plum sauce with red wine that will transform even the simplest dinner. And for dessert – a plum and cinnamon crumble, ready in under half an hour.

Autumn in the kitchen is also a time for experimentation. Pairing pumpkin and plums in one dish can be a delightful surprise – for example, in a spicy curry where the fruit’s sweetness offsets the heat of the spices. Zucchini works perfectly as a filling for savoury crêpes, while pumpkin shines in risotto or pasta.

The key to quick autumn meals is simplicity – seasonal produce is so full of flavour that it needs very little else. Just a few ingredients are enough to create a dish that warms you on a chilly day and adds a splash of colour to your plate.