The temperature is dropping, the wind is getting chilly, and the leaves are starting to change color. The glorious summer has come to an end. Seasonal changes can sometimes be difficult to deal with, but a cozy meal paired with a good glass of wine can be comforting. Fall and winter often call for rich, hearty comfort food, but it's still possible to enjoy healthy, warming meals. Here are some easy-to-make, delicious vegetarian fall recipes and their wine pairings to try this season.

Creamy Soup

Butternut squash or pumpkin soup is a fall favorite, not just for its seasonal appeal but for its naturally sweet, creamy flavor that warms your mood and awakens your appetite. Other root vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots, are also perfect for creamy soups, and they're incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Base vegetables: Butternut squash, potatoes, courgettes, carrots, chestnuts, or sweet potatoes.
• Liquid: Vegetable broth or bouillon, water, and cream (optional).
• Aromatics: Onions, garlic, leeks, or shallots.
• Spices/Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, cumin, nutmeg, or paprika.

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onions, garlic, leeks, or shallots, and cook until softened.
2. Add Vegetables: Add your base vegetables (like squash, potatoes, carrots, etc.) and stir to coat them in the oil and aromatics.
3. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in enough broth or water to cover the vegetables. Add herbs and spices of choice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 20-30 minutes).
4. Blend: Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half or use a potato masher.
5. Finish: Stir in cream or additional broth to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

Wine Pairings for Creamy Soup

A New World, fruit-forward Chardonnay makes an excellent companion for creamy soups. Its fuller body complements the richness, while its fruity character enhances the natural sweetness of the soup. Other great options include Viognier or a white Rhône blend, both of which offer the right balance of body and flavor to pair with this dish.

Gratin

Gratin is a traditional French dish perfect for the cooler months and relatively simple to prepare. The famous Gratin Dauphinois, made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream, garlic, and cheese, is a classic. However, other vegetables like cauliflower or Belgian endive can be used to create a lighter, yet equally delicious, version.

Ingredients:

• Base vegetables: Potatoes, cauliflower, parsnips, endive, or a mix.
• Liquid: Cream or milk.
• Cheese: Gruyère, cheddar, comté, or any melting cheese.
• Aromatics: Garlic, thyme, rosemary, or nutmeg.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice the vegetables if using potatoes, parsnips, or similar, or cut into florets for cauliflower.
2. Layer Vegetables: In a baking dish, layer your vegetables, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Make the Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, heat cream or milk with garlic, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Gratin: Pour the cream mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle cheese between layers and on top.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle more cheese on top, and return to the oven until the top is golden and bubbling (about 10-15 minutes).

Wine Pairings for Gratin

“What grows together, goes together”. As a classic French dish, pairing it with a white wine from Savoie is ideal. Chardonnay from Burgundy or Pinot Gris from Alsace are also excellent choices. These medium to full-bodied wines with high acidity balance the richness of the gratin, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the flavors.

Stuffed Vegetables

Stuffed vegetables make a great side dish for gatherings or even a one-person meal alongside a soup. These flavorful, rich in nutrients and fiber dishes are perfect for chilly days. While many traditional recipes use ground meat, vegetarian options using grains or tofu are equally delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Base vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, squashes, eggplants, or pumpkins.
• Stuffing: Rice, quinoa, lentils, couscous, beans, or dried tofu.
• Flavorings: Garlic, onions, herbs (parsley, thyme), spices (cumin, paprika), nuts, or dried fruit.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the tops off bell peppers, zucchini, or squash and scoop out the seeds. For eggplants or zucchini, you can halve them lengthwise and scoop out the flesh to create a hollow.
2. Cook the Stuffing: In a pan, cook onions, garlic, and any additional flavorings (herbs, spices) until fragrant. Stir in your choice of grains or protein, like rice, quinoa, lentils, or dried tofu. Cook until everything is heated through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Vegetables: Fill the hollowed-out vegetables with the cooked stuffing mixture, packing it in tightly.
4. Bake: Place the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish. Pour a little broth or water into the dish to help steam the vegetables as they cook. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Optional Toppings: Uncover and sprinkle with cheese or breadcrumbs for the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy top.

Wine Pairing for Stuffed Vegetables

The wine pairing depends on the vegetable base. For zucchini or bell peppers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner works beautifully, as their high acidity and green notes complement the seasoned, baked veggies. For pumpkins, squashes, or eggplants, which are often spiced generously, opt for an orange wine or a light, spicy red like Blaufränkisch to bring out the warming flavors.

Dessert Pies or Tarts

When it comes to fall desserts, apple pie is a timeless classic. The combination of a crispy crust and sweet, spiced apples captures the essence of the season. Pears, pumpkins, or berries are also wonderful alternatives to highlight the flavors of fall in your dessert creations.

Ingredients:

• Base: Apples, pears, pumpkins, berries, or a mix.
• Crust: Store-bought or homemade pie/tart crust, or a crumble topping.
• Sweeteners: Brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling: Peel and slice your choice of fruits, or purée pumpkins or squash for a pie. In a bowl, toss the fruit with sugar, spices, and a bit of flour to thicken the filling.
2. Assemble the Pie/Tart: Roll out the pie or tart crust and press it into a pie dish. Pour in the fruit filling or pumpkin purée.
3. Top the Pie: For a traditional pie, you can add a top crust or a lattice. Alternatively, sprinkle a crumble topping made from flour, sugar, oats, and butter.
4. Bake: Bake the pie or tart in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. For crumble toppings, bake until the topping is crisp and golden.
5. Cool: Let the pie cool before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Wine Pairings for Dessert Pies and Tarts

Fall dessert pies and tarts are often sweet but not overly so. Baked fruit and spices pair wonderfully with aromatic, lightly sweet wines. Moscato d'Asti or a late-harvest Gewürztraminer are perfect choices, offering just enough sweetness with hints of spicy notes to compliment the desserts.