There is something about cooler weather that screams "hot chocolate! Macaroni and cheese! COMFORT food!" and sometimes, you just have to heed that call. Fall is the perfect time of year for soups, stews, and hearty vegetables.
Autumn Vegetables
Autumn vegetables are easy to work with. They store well, they're inexpensive, and they taste great.
Here is a very simple recipe that does not require an oven and produces a colourful side dish for your meal or Thanksgiving dinner in only about 20 minutes. It's perfect for using up veggies that have been in the fridge for a while.
Don't worry about dicing the vegetables in any particular way - they will be mashed and mangled anyway. Just be sure to make the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. The "chop and toss" method works well for this recipe.
Vegetable Broth
If you make your own vegetable broth, good for you! Get some out; you shouldn't need more than a cup. If not, that is absolutely fine. Use a good quality vegetable bouillon/stock cube - this is the perfect opportunity to use a high-quality chicken- flavoured vegetarian one.
Using a cube allows a stronger flavour; simply mix the cube into less water than it calls for. If sodium is an issue, look for low salt varieties.
Autumn Vegetable Mash Recipe
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
- About 1 cup vegetable broth - homemade, canned, or cube bouillon. Use a vegetarian version!
- One (1) small rutabaga, peeled and diced
- Two (2) small carrots, diced
- Two (2) small potatoes, diced
- About one (1) cup shredded cabbage (optional)
Directions:
- Pour the broth into the saucepan. If using the bouillon cube, put it in the pot with about one cup of water and heat (and stir) until it dissolves. Adjust heat to medium.
- Add the rutabaga, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage (if using) to the pot.
- Place the lid on top and simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, checking periodically to make sure there is still broth in the bottom and the veggies aren't sticking.
- After 20 minutes, check the vegetables for tenderness. A fork should easily slide in. If they're done, remove from heat.
- Either transfer them to a serving bowl (this will allow you to strain excess liquid if too much remains) or leave them in the pot.
- With a potato masher or fork, gently mash the vegetables. The cabbage will retain its shape.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Keep warm in the pot until it's time to serve.
