Seasonal Eating: November Edition.
As November arrives in the UK, the transition from autumn to winter brings an abundance of delicious seasonal produce perfect for warming meals and boosting nutrition. Embracing seasonal ingredients helps reduce environmental impact, supports local farmers, and ensures fresher, more flavourful meals. Here’s a list of the best seasonal foods to include in your November meal plan, along with some meal ideas to make the most of them!
1. Pumpkin and Squash
November is the perfect month to enjoy pumpkins and a variety of winter squashes. Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are just a few of the options to add a rich source of vitamins A, C, and fibre to your meals.
Meal Ideas:
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese – Stir pureed pumpkin into cheese sauce for a creamy, nutrient-rich twist on classic mac and cheese.
Squash Fries – Slice butternut squash into fry shapes, toss with a bit of olive oil, and bake for a healthier alternative to chips.
Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce – Blend roasted squash with tomato sauce to add a veggie boost to pasta night without kids noticing.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are a November staple. These little greens are packed with vitamins K and C, fibre, and antioxidants.
Meal Ideas:
Brussels Sprout Chips – Separate the leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until crispy.
Mini Pizza Toppings – Thinly slice and add to mini pizzas along with cheese and other favourite toppings.
Honey Roasted Brussels – Roast Brussels sprouts with a little honey for sweetness, making them much more appealing.
3. Kale
Kale is a hearty, dark leafy green known for its earthy flavour and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, perfect for adding nutrition and texture to a variety of dishes.
Meal Ideas:
Kale Pesto Pasta – Blend kale with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for a fresh twist on pesto pasta.
Crispy Kale Chips – Bake kale leaves with a bit of olive oil and salt for a crunchy snack kids will love.
Sautéed Kale with Garlic – Lightly sauté kale with garlic and a splash of lemon juice for an easy side dish.
4. Parsnips
Known for their sweet, nutty taste, parsnips are a great addition to soups, roasts, and casseroles. They’re high in fibre and contain a range of vitamins, especially B vitamins and potassium.
Meal Ideas:
Parsnip Mash – Mix with a little butter for a creamy side dish, or add a few mashed potatoes to make it familiar for picky eaters.
Parsnip Wedges – Cut into wedges, roast with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet, fry-like side that pairs well with any meal.
Parsnip and Sweet Potato Soup – Puree into a smooth, slightly sweet soup that’s easy to eat and great with a side of crusty bread.
5. Leeks
Often overlooked, leeks are a great November ingredient with a mild, onion-like flavour. They’re low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K.
Meal Ideas:
Cheesy Leek Toasties – Mix cooked leeks with cheese, spread onto toast, and grill for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
Leek and Potato Mash – Add sautéed leeks to mashed potatoes for a new spin on a classic.
Leek and Cheese Pasta Bake – Toss cooked leeks into a pasta bake with cheese for a warm, comforting meal.
6. Celeriac
This knobby root vegetable might look intimidating, but its delicate, slightly nutty flavour makes it versatile. Celeriac is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, and potassium.
Meal Ideas:
Celeriac Fries – Cut into thin sticks, bake, and season lightly for a crunchy snack or side.
Celeriac Mash – Mix with mashed potatoes for an extra creamy mash that’s easy for kids to eat.
Celeriac and Apple Coleslaw – Grate celeriac and apple, then mix with a little mayo for a kid-friendly coleslaw that’s slightly sweet.
7. Cranberries
Cranberries are tart, bright red berries loved for their bold flavour and high antioxidant and vitamin C content, adding a festive touch to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Meal Ideas:
Cranberry Smoothies – Blend a few cranberries with strawberries and bananas for a pink smoothie with a slight tang.
Cranberry and Apple Sauce – Make a homemade sauce that’s great for dipping chicken or adding to sandwiches.
Cranberry Muffins – Bake cranberries into muffins with a touch of honey for sweetness. They’re perfect for breakfast or snacks.
8. Apples and Pears
November is the prime season for UK apples and pears, especially varieties like Bramley, D'Arcy Spice and Conference pears. Both are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and naturally sweet flavours.
Meal Ideas:
Apple and Pear Crumble—This warm dessert is simple to make and fun for kids to help prepare by crumbling the topping.
Apple Slices with Cinnamon—Sauté apple slices with a little cinnamon for a naturally sweet treat that’s also a fun side dish.
Pear and Cheese Wraps – Slice pears and wrap them in slices of mild cheese for an easy, no-cook snack.
