A chill in the air is a reliable cue to bring out a larger pot. Inspired by a seasonal comfort-food roundup from Delish, this Latvia-focused list puts warming soups, rye bread, roots and satisfying oven dishes at the centre of the table.
There is no need to treat comfort food as a rigid category. Start with what is available, use leftovers well and adjust each idea to suit the number of people eating. A bowl of soup with dark rye bread can be a complete supper; a casserole can carry lunch into the next day.
25 ideas for a warmer autumn table
- Roasted pumpkin soup with rye croutons
- Beetroot and potato soup with a spoonful of sour cream
- Chicken and vegetable noodle soup
- Mushroom soup with fresh herbs
- Split pea soup with smoked meat
- Cabbage and sausage stew
- Slow-cooked beef and root vegetables
- Potato gratin with cheese
- Baked macaroni with minced meat
- Shepherd’s pie with a mashed potato topping
- Roasted chicken with apples and onions
- Pan-fried pork with braised cabbage
- Grey peas with onions and smoked bacon
- Barley risotto with mushrooms
- Stuffed peppers with rice and meat
- Oven-baked meatballs in tomato sauce
- Cheese and leek tart
- Savoury pancakes with mushroom filling
- Warm potato salad with pickles and herbs
- Roasted beetroot with soft cheese and walnuts
- Apple and oat crumble
- Semolina porridge with berry jam
- Rice pudding with cinnamon
- Freshly baked rye bread with butter
- Hot tea with a slice of honey cake
For a simple weekly plan, make one substantial soup, one tray bake and one sweet dish. Keep potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, grains and rye bread on hand, then add mushrooms, meat or dairy according to the meal you want to build.
The best autumn cooking is often uncomplicated: food that warms the kitchen, makes good use of familiar ingredients and leaves enough for another meal.