What to cook in September?

This post has been updated. It first appeared on Italian Kitchen Confessions in September 2021.

September is already here and I wonder where the summer has gone? It has flew away so fast, leaving space to a crisp fresh morning air that today made me think about sweater and baking. September is probably my favorite month as it is so abundant of fresh produce. Not only summer vegetables are close to an end bit the first fall fruit and vegetables are already at the farmers market.

Here is a list of recipes already available to help you shop, give you new ideas for varied meals and recipes, and bring an Italian flair to your table.

I must confess that my philosophy has always been to cook with seasonal produce, and funnily enough, my husband always says to me, “People can guess what season it is when they see what’s on our table.”

Why eating seasonal produce is better?

-Products are more nutritious, at the peak of their nutritional power.

-Seasonal produce tastes also better.

-Easting seasonal produce is also better for the planet.

-It is better for the environment as it creates less pollution and waste.

-It is cheaper and supports local business!

Apples & Pears

This quote reminds me of the I made with my mom lasy year at the beginning of the fall. It was such a cozy morning, the kitchen smelled like cinnamon and sugar and this galette was so delicious along with our warm cup of coffee. September is the right month to enjoy these sweet, soft and crisp apples! Turn on the oven and bake this Apple Galette with Cinnamon. If you instead prefer pear, use them in this classic Gorgonzola Pear Salad, a great lunch idea.

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli

Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are on the way! You may want to ring in the cruciferous season with the following recipes: a warming Cabbage soup or a Pasta with Lentils and Cauliflower.

Eggplants

Eggplants are one of those vegetables I never get tired of! They are so versatile. They are wonderful in a Pasta alla Norma, or simply fried, “cotoletta” style and used to stuff a sandwich such as Caramelized Tomatoes, Eggplant, Provolone Panini! Both recipes are great for back to school season!

Figs

Use them on Tartlets with Ricotta and Honey or to create tasty quick savory bites, figs are abundant in September and like cherries, they do not last that long! So take advantage now!

Use them on Tartlets with Ricotta and Honey or to create tasty quick savory bites, figs are abundant in September and like cherries, they do not last that long! So take advantage now!

Kale

I must confess that I got obsessed with kale when it became a food trend, and since then I never stopped! In a Bean Pesto Salad, or as a crunchy topping for Pesto Pasta, there is always a good reason to eat this superfood!

Stone Fruits

I love Peach and Nectarine Jam, and if you love it as much as I do, September is a good month to jar those abundant ripe peaches. And maybe you can spare one or two peaches and make yourself a Bellini!

Peppers

I have always loved peppers, Roasted, in Pasta, Pesto, Stuffed! You pick!

Potatoes

When fall comes around, there’s nothing comforting than a big pot of Crispy oven-baked potatoes. Try this recipe and it will be your go-to recipe for many beef, pork or chicken roasts this fall! Or if you have more time, make Gnocchi!

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! Make Authentic Homemade Tomato Sauce to preserve summer for longer. Or try this Farro Stuffed Tomatoes, simply hearty and filling.

Zucchini

Zucchini, which are also called summer squash are almost at the end of the season. So chose among some Zucchini Fritters or just spiralize them with a Pasta!

And here is your convenient grocery list to fill up your fridge with awesome seasonal produce!

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!