Autumn has arrived, bringing with it crisp air, vibrant foliage, and a craving for warm, comforting food. If you're a Trader Joe's enthusiast like me, you know their fall selection is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients, perfect for creating easy and healthy meals. This post shares three of my favorite Trader Joe's fall recipes – perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend gatherings. Get ready to elevate your autumn cooking game!
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage
This ridiculously easy risotto uses Trader Joe's pre-cut butternut squash to save you precious time. The result? A rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16-ounce) package Trader Joe's butternut squash, cubed
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the rice in the oil and vegetables.
- Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Add 1 cup of warm broth to the rice, stirring constantly until absorbed. Continue adding broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.
- Once all the broth is absorbed and the rice is creamy, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, easy recipe!
Cooking Tips:
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don't rinse the Arborio rice before cooking; the starch helps create the creamy texture.
- If the risotto becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):**
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
Apple Cider Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe uses Trader Joe's apple cider and their pre-washed Brussels sprouts to create a fantastic fall meal. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
(Recipe details for Apple Cider Glazed Pork Tenderloin and Roasted Brussels Sprouts would follow a similar format as the Butternut Squash Risotto recipe above, including ingredients, instructions, tips, and nutritional information.)
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Start your day the healthy and delicious way with these pumpkin spice overnight oats, utilizing Trader Joe's pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice blend. This recipe makes a fantastic breakfast or a quick and easy healthy meal option.
(Recipe details for Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats would follow a similar format as the Butternut Squash Risotto recipe above, including ingredients, instructions, tips, and nutritional information.)
These Trader Joe's fall recipes are a testament to how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals using readily available ingredients. Enjoy the flavors of autumn with these simple yet satisfying dishes!