4 Recipes to Try This Autumn
Autumn has arrived, so it’s time to change the menu from fruit salads and refreshing side dishes to hearty soups and roasted vegetables.
Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans
Chili is the perfect option for a brisk day. Plus, you can easily customize chili to your liking. Try this vegetarian option if you’re a fan of chili but looking for a healthier take on the classic cold-weather dish. Start by combining one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, three cloves of pressed garlic, one teaspoon of ground coriander, two teaspoons of ground cumin, one finely chopped onion, one finely chopped poblano pepper, one finely chopped carrot, ¾ cups of wheat berries, and ¾ cups of water into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add in a pinch of salt and pepper, then cover the slow cooker and let cook for about 7 to 8 hours on low or 5 to 6 hours on high. You’ll want the wheat berries to cook thoroughly but still chewy. Once the wheat berries are cooked, add in 1 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, and a 15-ounce can of kidney beans. Stir everything and let warm in the slow cooker for 8 to 10 minutes. Once you’re ready to eat, top the dish with crackers, sour cream, cilantro, or lime.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Brussel sprouts are a great source of vitamins C, vitamin K, and protein. This vegetable also contains few calories, making it a perfect snack and salad option. Start by making the dressing by whisking together three tablespoons of olive old, three tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 ½ teaspoon of pure honey. Set the dressing aside. In a larger bowl, combine 1 pound of trimmed and thinly sliced Brussel sprouts, one sliced Gala apple, one chopped shallot, ¼ cup of chopped hazelnuts, and 1 ounce of shaved Pecorino cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad, and enjoy!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporate some sweet potatoes into your diet with roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish to your favorite dinner. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of pure maple syrup, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one tablespoon of fresh thyme. Working with one potato at a time, place a wooden spoon on each side of the potato. Then proceed to cut slits 1/4 to 1/8 inch apart crosswise down the rounded side of the potato, using the spoon handles as a guide. Make sure you do not cut all the way through. Repeat this step with the remaining potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking sheet, brush them with the maple mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
Yogurt Parfait
If you’re a fan of sweets, but want a healthier option than ice cream and baked goods, try a yogurt parfait. In a bowl or parfait dish, layer 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ¾ cup of granola, and ½ cup of your favorite fresh fruit. You can top the dish off with your favorite nuts or drizzle one teaspoon of maple syrup.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one needs assistance in the kitchen this fall, the team at Visiting Angels Cincinnati West can help. Our caregivers can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, cooking, and cleaning. Our West Cincinnati office serves communities on the West Side of Cincinnati, Ohio. If you’d like to learn more, you can complete this form online or call us at 513.598.6770.