As autumn settles in, soups, stews, and other comfort foods are an essential part of achieving what the Danish call “hygge”, a sense of coziness and warmth that promotes a feeling of contentment and wellbeing. Creating these dishes doesn't have to require a lot of time, effort, or cleanup, either.
Here are seven easy recipes to make at home this autumn to achieve your own sense of hygge!
Simple, Creamy Risotto
Risotto is easier to make than ever with an Instant Pot! If you have never used an electric pressure cooker, you will be surprised at how quickly you can prepare complex recipes. Warm and filling, this delicious dish can be topped with a variety of ingredients making it perfect for a main course, or as a side. Pesto, shaved parmesan, or crumbled bacon are traditional toppings, but just a fried egg or baby spinach work well too!
Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
Squash is the centerpiece of autumn, and this hearty butternut squash and lentil soup makes generous use of this fall favorite. Packed with vitamins A, C, and B-6 from the squash, and protein from the lentils, it is also very nutritious. To save time, search for peeled and chopped butternut squash in the produce section of your local market. Combine the ingredients, cook for a quick 30 minutes, and puree with an immersion blender or food processor to finish. Bonus: it’s vegan!
Feel-Good Fall Salad
What could be simpler (or more simply delicious?) than a salad bursting with fresh seasonal ingredients? This combination of roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, fresh greens, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and tangy goat cheese is an easy and filling meal.
Cider Apple and Sage Pork Chops with Polenta
Sophisticated enough for company, but easy enough for a weeknight meal, this dish features a blend of fall flavors and comes together in only 40 minutes. The savory flavors of sage, pork, and browned butter blend perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner
No one will guess you cooked this beautiful, crispy dish in just 30 minutes - and on a single baking sheet! Roasting vegetables is one of the best ways to bring out their unique flavors. This blend of apples, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts is both sweet and savory, not to mention a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber!
Roasted Maple Pears
You can use either apples or pears to create this mouthwatering dish. Just five simple ingredients: pears or apples, apple cider, butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon combine to create a deceptively decadent dessert. Top with vanilla ice cream for a truly extravagant dish.
Favorite Pumpkin Granola
This fragrant granola smells heavenly while baking. Old fashioned oats combine with pumpkin, cinnamon, almonds, pistachios, coconut, and maple syrup for a granola that is sweet and salty. Great for snacking, as a topping for yogurt, or with milk for breakfast.
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