Fall is the perfect time to whip up some comfort foods for those cool weeknights in front of a fire. But for those of us with jam-packed schedules, dishing up meals after working long hours can feel like a chore.

But that doesn’t have to the case. From breakfast bowls to sheet-pan dinners, these simple recipes are ideal for the change of season:

1. Make a tempeh bowl

Here’s a quick and simple dinner idea: Make a tempeh bowl. Tempeh is a compact “cake” made from soybeans. But unlike tofu, tempeh has a slightly nutty flavor because it’s fermented. So count on tempeh to give you plenty of probiotics. These live microbes can boost your digestion and promote good gut health.

To make this dish, crumble tempeh into a skillet. Tempeh soaks up the flavors you cook it in, so stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar, organic maple syrup, olive oil, cayenne pepper and garlic, then cook for 10 minutes. If you want to load it up, add some chopped vegetables and serve on a bed of kale, quinoa or a mix of both.

2. Saute some greens, peas and mushrooms

Sauteeing is a great way to slightly soften up vegetables while bringing out their natural juices. It’s also not time-consuming! For a light meal, start by sauteeing some onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant before tossing in some fire-roasted tomatoes. You can then mix in cauliflower rice for some complex carbs or a little pumpkin puree to add a nice, smooth texture. Top with crumbled goat cheese if desired.

3. Whip up some Brussels sprouts tacos

Flavor isn’t one of Brussels sprouts‘ strongest suits. But even though this cruciferous vegetable isn’t a fan favorite, it’s a great ingredient to use for homemade tacos.

To make Brussels sprouts tacos, grab some sprouts and slice them up. Make a kale slaw and mix that with a bit of avocado oil mayonnaise, mustard, organic maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Saute the sprouts with some potatoes in avocado oil until crisp and golden. Wrap it all up in whole-wheat tortillas and enjoy!

4. Make a vegetarian grain bowl

Loading up grain bowls with a bunch of vegetables is a great way to enjoy a well-rounded meal without making a huge fuss in the kitchen. Plus, grains and vegetables are filled with dietary fiber for good digestion. They also deliver a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health.

To make a nutrient-dense veggie grain bowl, toss whatever veggies you have on hand into a big bowl. Keep things balanced by having a variety of veggies. Add stalky ones like broccoli and orange ones like bell peppers – you get the idea. Serve them on a bed of quinoa or brown rice and dress with a little balsamic vinegar.

5. Serve up a seasonal pasta

So long, fresh tomatoes and ripe zucchini! Fall means rich flavors from foods like squash and mushrooms. And what better way to indulge in those flavors than by cooking up a healthy and seasonal pasta dinner?

To whip up a plate of seasonal pasta, saute some shredded butternut squash with sage for about two minutes and cook your pasta as usual. Mix the cooked pasta and a little of the pasta water with the squash and top with goat cheese if desired.

6. Prepare a feel-good fall salad

Fall staples like pumpkins and Brussels sprouts are so hearty that you can sit down to a big fall salad and call it a night right after. Making one is incredibly easy, too. Start by massaging the leafy greens you’re going to use, then shred some Brussels sprouts and cook them in olive oil. Add fruits, nuts and crumbled goat cheese if desired. Dress it with a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs.

7. Create a sheet-pan dinner with shrimp and vegetables

Ever heard of sheet-pan dinners? These meals are perfect for when you’re really short on time because you just chuck whatever ingredients you want onto a baking sheet, dress it with olive oil and spices and bake it. An easy combo is shrimp, carrots and green beans dressed with a sauce made from ginger, garlic, sesame oil and honey.

8. Make a gluten-free burrito bowl

Burrito bowls are a time-saving meal-prep wonder. You can fill it up with as many ingredients as you want and be done cooking in no time. For a healthy, gluten-free bowl, use brown rice or legumes like black beans as your base. Then add roasted broccoli florets (Brussels sprouts will work great, too!) and avocado slices. Finish it off with some homemade salsa or guacamole and enjoy your nutritious creation!

Busy schedules are no reason to miss out on fall’s incredible bounty. Make the most out of the season by trying out the simple, nutritious and comforting meal ideas listed above.

Sources:

MindBodyGreen.com

BonAppetit.com