What to cook in September: seasonal produce guide

Seasonal Produce guide has been updated. It first appeared on Italian Kitchen Confessions in September 2022.

September in New York is a magical—and abundant—time for food lovers. It’s when summer and early-fall produce collide, filling farmers’ markets with sun-ripened tomatoes, peaches, zucchini, and peppers, while figs, grapes, apples, and potatoes hint at cozy autumn flavors to come.

At Italian Kitchen Confessions, my philosophy is simple: cook with fresh, seasonal produce to create mouthwatering Italian recipes rooted in the Mediterranean diet. These recipes celebrate the bounty of the season and balance healthy, whole-food cooking with authentic Italian traditions.

This September Produce Guide brings together new recipes I’ve created this year alongside beloved classics from over the years. Whether you’re exploring your local New York markets or cooking from your own garden, this collection will inspire you to eat seasonally, cook simply, and savor every bite.

September Seasonal Produce

Let’s start with a printable and convenient seasonal produce list to fill up your fridge this September!

Apples

The arrival of crisp, fragrant apples signals the first touch of fall. Perfect for baking, tossing into salads, or layering into rustic Italian tarts, they bridge the gap between late summer freshness and autumn coziness. In Italy, my home country, apples often feature in traditional desserts like strudel from Trentino-Alto Adige and torta di mele, but they’re also perfect sliced into savory salads or paired with aged cheeses.

MY TIP:

Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for baking, and store apples in the fridge to keep them crisp longer.

Apple Galette with Cinnamon:

Delicate layers of extra virgin olive oil pastry cradle thin apple slices dusted with cinnamon, baked until caramelized and golden.

Red Cabbage Apple Slaw

A refreshing, crunchy side dish where crisp apples balance the earthiness of red cabbage and a light vinaigrette

Eggplants

Glossy, silky eggplants are at their best this month. A southern Italian favorite, they absorb flavor beautifully when roasted, stewed, or layered in hearty baked dishes. Perfect for healthy, plant-forward recipes full of texture and depth! T In Italy, eggplants are central to many dishes, from pasta alla Norma to baked parmigiana, offering a creamy texture that balances bold sauces.They are reaching soon end of season, so take advantage of these September vegetables.

MY TIP:

Always salt sliced eggplant before cooking to remove excess moisture and bitterness, ensuring a tender, creamy result.

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata

Sweet and tangy, this traditional relish combines eggplants with tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives for an irresistible spread or side dish.

Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane)

Layers of fried or baked eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella create one of Italy’s most comforting dishes.

Figs

Fresh figs are one of September’s short-lived treasures. In Italy, this seasonal produce is served sweet or savory, paired with honey, creamy cheeses, and herbs. Their delicate sweetness elevates Mediterranean-inspired dishes into something unforgettable.

MY TIP:

Look for figs that are plump and soft to the touch — a sign of perfect ripeness. Figs are extremely delicate — enjoy them within two days of buying to savor their natural sweetness and juiciness

Tartlets with Ricotta and Honey

Crisp tart shells hold creamy ricotta, topped with fresh figs and drizzled with honey for an elegant dessert.

Fig and Prosciutto Salad with Goat cheese and Pistachios

A seasonal favorite, this salad balances the sweetness of figs with peppery arugula, toasted pistachios, and tangy goat cheese.

Fresh Herbs

Basil, mint, thyme, and rosemary remain abundant in September, brightening fresh summer dishes and adding warmth to early autumn cooking. Essential for simple, healthy, Mediterranean-inspired meals. Fresh herbs can transform the simplest ingredients into something special, from pasta sauces to grilled vegetables and soups.

MY TIP:

To keep herbs fresh longer, trim stems and store them in a glass of water in the fridge, lightly covered with a plastic bag.

Basil Pesto

A Ligurian classic: fragrant basil leaves blended with pine nuts, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil for a silky sauce. Pair it with homemade trofie, for a truly regional experience.

Homemade Sea Bass Ravioli

Fresh thyme and parsley enhance the delicate seafood filling, bringing brightness and balance to each bite.

Peach

Juicy September peaches bring a burst of summer sweetness to crostini, salads, and desserts. They shine in dishes where savory meets sweet, creating effortless elegance perfect for the last warm days.I grew up in a kitchen where met parents were pairing peaches with cured meats or balsamic reductions for a refreshing, seasonal appetizer.

MY TIP

To peel peaches effortlessly for desserts, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water

Bellini

A Venetian classic combining peach purée and sparkling Prosecco — the perfect late-summer toast.

Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta and Vincotto

Crispy baguette slices topped with whipped ricotta, ripe peaches, and Vincotto for a vibrant balance of flavors.

Peppers

Sweet, vibrant peppers reach their full flavor in September. In Italian kitchens, they’re often slow-cooked into rustic dishes like peperonata, tossed with pasta, or charred for a smoky edge. They bring color, sweetness, and depth to seasonal cooking. Simply Roasted Peppers is the dish of my summer childhood. Still today I cherish my father’s recipe and is the base to create many delicious recipes: until bell peppers last last!

MY TIP

Roast peppers under a hot broiler until blistered, then cover and peel for a silky, tender texture.

Spicy Pasta with roasted peppers and bacon

This quick, flavorful pasta balances smoky bacon, roasted peppers, and a subtle kick of heat.

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beef, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, make a cozy early-fall dish.

Potatoes

Potatoes signal the shift from late summer to fall, offering endless versatility in Italian cooking. From salads to gnocchi, they’re an essential base for comforting dishes — especially when paired with olive oil, rosemary, and seasonal vegetables. Potatoes are part of cucina pavera, a simple way of cooking typical of more rural inland areas.

MY TIP:

For gnocchi, choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a soft, pillowy texture. This type of potatoes is also good for Roasted recipes. For salads, baby potatoes are better.

Crispy oven-baked potatoes

Golden edges, fluffy centers, and a simple seasoning of olive oil and fresh herbs make these irresistible.

Italian Potato Salad

Light, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean flavor — olive oil, red onion, and fresh herbs keep it vibrant.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are by far the classic Italian vegetable. I love them simply with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and basil and just a piece of bread. This is my personal feast all summer long, or as long as tomato season lasts! September is the final chance to enjoy peak-season tomatoes before the cooler months arrive.

MY TIP

Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature to preserve their flavor and texture — avoid refrigeration when possible.

Creamy Tomato Risotto

Rich and velvety, this risotto layers fresh tomatoes with stock and Parmesan for incredible depth of flavor

Farro Stuffed Tomatoes

Juicy tomatoes filled with nutty farro, herbs, and olive oil — a satisfying vegetarian dish.

Zucchini

Tender zucchini and summer squash thrive through early September, perfect for light pasta dishes, refreshing salads, and reamy sauces. Their mild flavor pairs beautifully with lemon, mint, and Parmesan for simple, flavorful recipes inspired by Mediterranean eating. Grilled zucchini is also a staple in Italian antipasti, often marinated in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

MY TIP

Choose smaller zucchini for tender flesh and fewer seeds — they’re sweeter and more flavorful.

Zucchini Pasta Recipe

Quick to prepare, this pasta combines grated zucchini, olive oil, and Parmesan into a silky sauce for a great back to school recipe!

Zucchini with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Sicilian-inspired side dish where sweet and savory meet, perfect alongside grilled fish or meats.

September is one of the most abundant and inspiring months for Italian cooking. From sun-ripened summer produce to the first tastes of fall, these recipes celebrate the season’s richness through fresh, simple ingredients rooted in the Mediterranean diet.

Looking for more seasonal Italian recipes? Browse my September produce guide and discover new ways to cook with fresh ingredients inspired by the Mediterranean diet — all using what’s in season right now.

Happy cooking! If you like what you see and will make some of the recipes, please leave a comment here or tag me on @italian_kitchen_confessions. I would love to see your creations and read your comments!

Please follow us: