What we're cooking in September
September marks the beginning of autumn and brings with it a bounty of seasonal produce. Here's how to put it to use...
For many of us, September signifies fresh change, and the same can be said for our allotments, gardens and hedgerows. With the balmy weather of July and August behind us and the golden hues of autumn leaves on the horizon, we turn our attention to a harvest brimming with fresh fruit – crisp apples, figs, pears and plums – while cauliflower, cabbage, kale, runner beans and Brussels sprouts grow in our beds.
Now is the time to try your hand at making delicious jams, chutneys or even homemade gin to enjoy the season's sweet flavours long into the winter months.
Read on for a selection of our favourite seasonal recipes for September.
Fruit and vegetables in season in September
Apples - There’s a reason apples continue to take the crown as Britain’s favourite fruit. Incredibly versatile, apples form the base of many classic desserts, including traditional apple tarts and pies (served with lashings of custard, of course). They can also bring subtle sweetness to savoury dishes, too, like this comforting sausage and apple traybake recipe.
Brussels sprouts - Love them or loathe them, September marks the start of Brussels sprouts season. There are so many ways to cook with Brussels sprouts beyond a simple steam: when grilled or fried they take on a delicious caramelised flavour while still retaining their texture. We also love them shaved into autumnal salads for extra crunch.
Blackberries - You'll spot these vibrant berries lining our hedgerows, so now is the time to use the bounty of blackberries to make crumbles, cakes and autumn puddings. They’re easy to freeze, too, and can be used to make everything from breakfast smoothies to compote for topping pancakes and French toast for a special weekend brunch.
Marrow - Stemming from the same family as the melon, cucumber and squash, marrows are, in fact, courgettes that have been grown longer, developing a milder flavour and creamy texture. Due to their size, they’re great to scoop out and fill with your favourite bolognese or chilli. Alternatively, they can be roasted along with other seasonal veggies for a Sunday roast side dish. If you find yourself with a glut on your hands, then you can combine marrow with apples and spices for a delicious cheeseboard chutney.
Kale - Hailed as a superfood, kale is a leafy, cruciferous vegetable that is rich in nutrients and fibre. It can be shredded and added to stir-fries, soups or warming one-pan midweek meals for an extra boost of goodness. We love to enjoy it as it is in salads, but be sure to massage the leaves with your chosen dressing first to break down its toughness and add flavour to every bite.
Plums - While plums are readily available year-round here in the UK, they're at their best in September and October. They’re great in crumbles and pavlova, but our favourite way to enjoy plums is in a tangy compote to top rice pudding. Call us old school, but there’s just no beating it.
Runner beans - A veg garden staple, runner beans are easy to grow and produce a generous crop to enjoy throughout September. Once prepared, they’re delicious steamed and served with butter or tossed through pasta or salad, and can easily be frozen, too.
Spinach - Sadly, September marks the end of spinach season (though hardier varieties may last through to October if the weather remains mild). Don’t fret, for there are plenty of ways to prepare and use spinach – including in veg-packed frittatas, salads and soups – while it’s here, plus it can also be frozen.
Other produce in season in the UK in September include aubergine, beetroot, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, chicory, courgettes, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, mangetout, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes , red cabbage, rocket, samphire, spring greens, spring onions, sweetcorn, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, wild mushrooms and white cabbage. And for puds, jams and cordials, opt for in-season damsons, greengages, pears, pumpkin, raspberries, rhubarb and strawberries.
Macaroni cheese and greens – September recipes
The changing of the seasons may have you craving comfort food. We've given mac 'n' cheese a nutritious twist with the addition of green beans, kale, cauliflower and peas here.
Recipe: Macaroni cheese and greens
Blackberry bakewell pudding – September recipes
By combining fresh blackberries and blackberry jam, this bakewell pudding delivers bags of flavour. It can be adapted for gluten-free diets too, simply by swapping the plain flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Recipe: Blackberry bakewell pudding
Miso pork meatballs with kale crisps and butter bean mash – September recipes
The miso paste in this recipe adds umami and depth to these pork meatballs, while the crispy kale gives crunch and vibrancy. On the table in under an hour, it's a winning weeknight meal.
Recipe: Miso pork meatballs with kale crisps and butter bean mash
Freekeh-stuffed squash – September recipes
Green wheat freekeh is harvested young, then roasted for a distinctive smoky flavour. Here it makes a fabulous filling for roasted butternut squash topped with tangy feta and fresh herbs.
Recipe: Freekeh-stuffed squash
Kale polpette with watercress pesto – September recipes
Polpette may mean meatballs in Italian, but this twist uses vibrant kale leaves, lentils and parmesan as a veggie alternative.
Plum and almond tray bake – September recipes
This plum and almond tray bake cake is perfect for September, when plums are in plentiful supply. It's impressive enough for a dinner party dessert too: simply warm through and serve with vanilla ice cream. Delicious.
Recipe: Plum and almond tray bake
Slow cooker fish stew – September recipes
Packed with tiger prawns, cod and clams, this Portuguese fish stew will transport you to sunnier shores this September. The garnish of fresh citrus and parsley brings the whole dish together. Serve at the table with plenty of bread to mop up the delicious spiced sauce.
Recipe: Slow cooker fish stew
Roast chicken with orzo – September recipes
Not quite ready to return to traditional Sunday roasts after summer? This roast chicken with orzo is the perfect transitionary dish, with celery, carrots, leeks and pancetta adding layers of flavour.
Recipe: Roast chicken with orzo
Baked courgette and feta risotto – September recipes
Love risotto but hate the constant watching and stirring? This oven-baked risotto recipe is the answer and great for using up the last courgettes in your garden.
Recipe: Baked courgette and feta risotto
Spinach and broccoli soup – September recipes
This vibrant broccoli and spinach soup is perfect for September. Top with a poached egg and a scattering of crunchy croutons to make it even more filling.
Recipe: Spinach and broccoli soup
Plum meringue no-churn ice cream – September recipes
It may be September but that doesn't mean we're saying goodbye to ice cream. This no-churn dessert combines plums steeped in honey, orange zest and cinnamon with cream, condensed milk and meringue for a speedy sweet treat.
Recipe: Plum meringue no-churn ice cream
Lentil, chickpea and cauliflower dahl – September recipes
This dahl recipe calls for store cupboard staples and a handful of seasonal veggies, including spinach, cauliflower and tomatoes. Top with your favourite dairy-free yoghurt for a speedy vegan supper.
Chicken Normandy – September recipes
The tasty combination of chicken, cider and apples make this classic recipe a firm family favourite. Want added indulgence? Replace the crème fraîche with double cream!
Recipe: Chicken Normandy
Fennel gratin – September recipes
This deliciously creamy fennel gratin, topped with a crunchy gruyere crumb, is a wonderful accompaniment to a slow-cooked stew or Sunday roast.
Recipe: Fennel gratin
Pear tatin – September recipes
This impressive pear tartin makes for a brilliant dinner party dessert and, better yet, takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Recipe: Pear tatin
Creamy salmon gnocchi gratin – September recipes
Think you can't be converted on Brussels sprouts? Think again with this creamy gnocchi dish that combines smoked salmon, sprouts, parmesan and gruyère.
Recipe: Creamy salmon gnocchi gratin
Baked sausages with apples – September recipes
Welcome to the beginning of British apple season with this easy sausage, apple and fennel traybake. It's guaranteed to satisfy all your comfort food cravings in one hit.
Recipe: Baked sausages with apples
Spinach and feta filo pie – September recipes
With its hearty spinach, potato and feta filling and golden filo crust, this pie is an autumn staple. It's delicious served hot out the oven with fresh salad (we’d recommend a medley of roasted peppers and ribonned courgettes for an authentic Mediterranean spread) or chilled for a lunch on the go.
Recipe: Spinach and feta filo pie
Chocolate apple betty – September recipes
Chocolate and apples may not strike you as a classic flavour pairing but this American-inspired dessert will quickly convince you otherwise. With its crunchy topping and comforting centre, it's perfect for the autumn weather.
Recipe: Chocolate apple betty
Sausage and aubergine Lasagne – September recipes
If you're looking for a lighter take on lasagne, this recipe, which replaces the pasta sheets with thinly-sliced aubergine, is one of our all time favourites.
Recipe: Sausage and aubergine lasagne
Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.
Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.
Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
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