Just like the Earth experiences seasons, our bodies crave a change too. Fall brings shorter days, cooler nights, and the perfect time to try new flavors. Stock your pantry with hearty grains, warm spices, and flavorful bases from the Concord Food Co-op to make nourishing, comforting meals all season long.
To make it easier, we’ve gathered some pantry essentials that will help you turn seasonal produce and proteins into simple, yet delicious meals. At the end of this blog post, you’ll find a printable Fall Pantry Guide and a printable Field Day Finds Flyer you can use as a starting point for your next shopping trip at the Co-op!
Spice Up Your Pantry
Bay Leaves:
Adds a mild depth to a dish, often enhancing the other ingredients present. Add bay leaves to soups and stews to deepen the flavor profile.
Cinnamon:
A staple in sweet dishes, can add warmth and interest to a savory meal. Try cinnamon in your next savory dish of roasted vegetables or chili.
Cloves:
Strong and aromatic. Make room for clove on your spice rack to infuse big flavors into holiday meats, curries, or stews.
Cumin:
Provides an earthy warmth to fall meals. Experiment with roasting seasoned root vegetables like carrots and beets for a hint of sweetness.
Nutmeg
A versatile earthy spice. Pair nutmeg with creamy sauces to elevate the flavor and cut through the richness of dairy.
Rosemary
Has notes of pine, lemon, and pepper. Rosemary’s woodsy, aromatic flavor adds complexity to meat, vegetables, and baked goods.
Sage
An herbaceous and earthy spice, is a welcome addition to heavy dishes with rich ingredients that can compete with the bold flavor. Sage can easily overpower a dish, but when used sparingly it can bring warmth to the soul and stomach.
Thyme
Adds a subtle floral, earthy, and minty flavor. Thyme pairs well with rosemary and sage on roasted meats and vegetables.
Stock the Bases
Broth
Vegetable or meat broth is a lighter base for savory soups and stews. Try boiling noodles in a broth for a fresh take on a hearty spaghetti.
Miso Paste
An umami-packed base. Add Miso Paste to dishes, like miso soup or mushroom stew, for a warm and lighter soup alternative.
Coconut Milk
Adds a rich creamy flavor that is slightly sweet. Coconut milk is perfect for replacing dairy in cream-based soups or noodle dishes.
Tomato Base
Tomato bases, such as crushed or pureed tomatoes, are the foundation for a hearty chili. Add vegetables, beans, and your choice of protein to a tomato base for a simple but nutritious meal sure to leave you with leftovers.
Fill Up On Grains
Quinoa
Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great choice for cold and warm dishes of salad or as a substitute for rice.
Wild rice
A good source of antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals. Wild rice is also high in protein making it a filling addition to your fall meals.
Oats
Have many heart-healthy benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Oats are popular in breakfast dishes like oatmeal and porridge, but they also can be a good addition to veggies burgers or as a binder for meatballs.
Barley
A dense source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, is a nutritious addition to soups, as a substitute for rice, or as the base for a grain bowl.
These pantry staples pair well with the fresh, seasonal produce and local proteins found at the Concord Food Co-op. Here’s to hearty soups, fragrant spices, and the comfort of good food shared with loved ones. Happy fall, and happy cooking from all of us at the Concord Food Co-op!
