Autumn in the UK is a season of golden leaves, chilly mornings, and cosy evenings. It’s also the time when we naturally crave comfort food—warm, hearty dishes that nourish the body and soul. The good news? Comfort doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can prepare meals that feel indulgent but are quick enough for a busy weekday.
At Mon Panier Latin, we believe that cooking should bring joy, not stress. That’s why we’ve put together five recipes that are not only easy to prepare, but also celebrate the flavours of autumn. From creamy soups to sweet crumbles, here’s how to make your evenings a little more comforting.
1. Creamy Pumpkin Soup 🎃
Few dishes say “autumn” quite like pumpkin soup. Smooth, velvety, and lightly spiced, it makes for the perfect starter or light supper.
Ingredients: Pumpkin, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, cream (or milk), olive oil, nutmeg.
Method:
1. Roast pumpkin chunks with olive oil until tender and slightly caramelised.
2. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic, then add the roasted pumpkin.
3. Pour in hot vegetable stock, blend until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
4. Stir in a splash of cream for richness.
Tip: This soup freezes beautifully—make a big batch at the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
When time is short, a one-pot recipe is a lifesaver. This dish combines protein, vegetables, and grains in a single pan, making both cooking and washing up a breeze.
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, basmati rice, carrots, peas, onion, stock, thyme or bay leaf.
Method:
1. Brown chicken pieces in a large pot with a little oil.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and peas. Cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in rice, pour over hot stock, and add herbs.
4. Cover and simmer until the rice is fluffy and the chicken tender.
Tip: Swap peas for mushrooms or green beans to vary the flavours.
3. Cheesy Leek and Potato Bake
This comforting dish is perfect for when you need something filling and satisfying. Serve it as a main with a salad, or as a side with roast meat.
Ingredients: Potatoes, leeks, butter, milk, flour, grated cheese (Cheddar works perfectly).
Method:
1. Slice potatoes thinly and parboil for 5 minutes.
2. In a pan, cook leeks in butter until soft. Add flour, then whisk in warm milk to create a creamy sauce.
3. Layer potatoes and leeks in a baking dish, pour over the sauce, and top with grated cheese.
4. Bake until golden and bubbling.
Tip: Add a pinch of mustard to the sauce for extra depth of flavour.
4. Hearty Lentil Stew
Lentils are inexpensive, nutritious, and make a fantastic base for a warming stew. This recipe is vegetarian but can easily be adapted with sausages or bacon if you prefer.
Ingredients: Red lentils, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, tomato paste, cumin, stock.
Method:
1. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery until fragrant.
2. Stir in carrots, tomato paste, and spices.
3. Add lentils and stock, bring to the boil, then simmer until thick and hearty.
4. Adjust seasoning and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
5. Apple and Cinnamon Crumble
Autumn desserts don’t get more classic than this. The combination of tart apples and warming cinnamon topped with a crunchy crumble is unbeatable.
Ingredients: Apples, cinnamon, sugar, butter, plain flour, oats.
Method:
1. Peel and slice apples, toss with cinnamon and a little sugar, and place in a baking dish.
2. Mix flour, oats, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
3. Scatter the crumble mixture over the apples and bake until golden.
Tip: For extra indulgence, serve warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Autumn in the UK is a season of golden leaves, chilly mornings, and cosy evenings. It’s also the time when we naturally crave comfort food—warm, hearty dishes that nourish the body and soul. The good news? Comfort doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can prepare meals that feel indulgent but are quick enough for a busy weekday.
At Mon Panier Latin, our goal is to make cooking accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a quiet meal for yourself. So why not stock up on your essentials, light a candle, and bring a little extra warmth to your kitchen this autumn?
