As a restaurant owner, pub manager, or caterer in London, sourcing and serving fresh, seasonal produce can take your menu to the next level. With a variety of delicious vegetable recipes available, you’re giving the best quality food to your customers and taking full advantage of the different flavours, textures and colours that nature has to offer.
In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite delicious recipes that make the most of seasonal fruit and veggies, and the benefits of creating a weekly meal plan for your establishment that will keep customers coming back for more.
Why menu planning with seasonal produce is a smart choice
There are numerous benefits to using seasonal fruit and veg in your recipes, including:
- Freshness and quality: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak. That means it’s often fresher, flavoursome, and more nutritious than out-of-season alternatives.
- Cost efficiency: When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re naturally abundant and typically less expensive, which can help bring down your food costs.
- Sustainability: By choosing local and seasonal ingredients, you’ll support farmers and suppliers in your area, and reduce your environmental impact.
- Menu variety: Introducing seasonal dishes allows you to refresh your menu throughout the year, keeping things exciting for both your chefs and your customers.
Delicious recipes and inspiration for seasonal menus
Winter menu ideas: root vegetables and citrus fruits
When the weather gets colder, it’s time to prepare and embrace hearty vegetable recipes and citrus fruits to warm and brighten your menu during the chillier months.
1. Root vegetable mash with roasted winter squash
Winter root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and turnips are perfect for creating comforting, satisfying mash dishes. Combine them with roasted squash for a rich, sweet, and creamy dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef. A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon will add a seasonal twist.
2. Beetroot and orange salad
Brighten up your menu with a salad using roasted beetroots and fresh orange slices. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot contrasts beautifully with the bright acidity of the citrus. Add some goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish.
3. Citrus glazed carrots
Roasted carrots are delicious on their own, but add a citrus glaze for an added layer of sweetness and tang. Using seasonal oranges or grapefruits, create a glaze by simmering the juice with honey and some butter, then drizzle over the roasted carrots for a dish bursting with flavour.
4. Citrus panna cotta with fruit compote
For dessert, why not combine the rich creaminess of panna cotta with the vibrant, tart flavours of winter citrus? A compote of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, cranberries, or poached pears adds a gorgeous finishing touch to this sophisticated dessert.
Spring menu ideas: fresh greens and berries
As the weather warms up, lighter and fresher dishes are what we tend to crave and eat more. Spring is the perfect time to experiment with leafy greens like kale or spinach, peas and early berries that bring new life to your dishes.
1. Spring greens with herb-infused butter
The first new greens of the season, such as spinach, kale, and spring onions, are tender and bursting with flavour. Why not sauté them in some herb-infused butter for a simple, yet delicious side dish? You can even toss in some fresh peas for extra sweetness. Serve alongside quinoa or pasta salad and grilled fish for a light, nutritious lunch option.
2. Asparagus and strawberry salad
When asparagus and strawberries come into season, combine and cook them together for a dish that balances both sweetness and earthiness. Serve with a tangy dressing made from balsamic vinegar, and top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of richness.
3. Rhubarb and ginger crumble
Rhubarb is one of the first fruits to appear in the spring, and it pairs perfectly with the warmth of ginger. Create a tangy, comforting crumble with a buttery oat topping, and serve it with a dollop of cream or custard for a nostalgic, yet modern dessert.
Summer menu ideas: cherry tomatoes, peppers, and stone fruits
Summer is all about bold colours and fresh flavours. It’s the time for juicy cherry tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, onions, and the vibrant fruits of the season.
1. Tomato and basil tart
Tomatoes at the height of summer are incredibly flavourful, and when paired with fragrant basil, they become the stars of any dish. Take our exclusive supply of heritage organic cornish tomatoes from Soul farm and create a simple tomato and basil tart. The sweetness of the tomatoes paired with a flaky pastry crust, can serve as a stunning starter or a light main course served with salad.
2. Grilled peach salad with burrata
Peaches, nectarines, and plums are at their peak in summer. Grill slices of fresh peaches for a few minutes and serve them with creamy burrata cheese, fresh rocket, and a drizzle of honey or olive oil for a deliciously sweet and savoury salad.
3. Roasted pepper and courgette ratatouille
A classic Mediterranean dish, ratatouille celebrates the very best of summer vegetables. Use fresh tomatoes, courgettes, bell peppers, and aubergines to create a colourful and aromatic stew. Serve it as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course, paired with crusty bread or rice.
4. Cherry sorbet
Stone fruits like cherries are perfect for making refreshing sorbets. Blend fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, freeze, and serve for a light, tangy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Autumn menu ideas: squash, apples, and mushrooms
As the leaves start to fall, pumpkins, squash, and apples are at their prime. We work with an array of incredible, seasonal producers such as Bedlam Farms who supply our organic English squashes. For apples, only the best will do which is why we partner with The Brogdale Collection who hosts the largest fruit collection in the world and supplies our bounty of heritage apple and pear cultivars.
These ingredients bring warmth and comfort to your menu, perfect for the chillier months ahead.
1. Butternut squash soup
A classic autumn dish, creamy butternut squash soup is both comforting and rich in flavour. You can blend the roasted squash with onions, garlic, and vegetable stock for a velvety smooth soup, finished off with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of toasted seeds for crunch.
2. Apple and mushroom risotto
Autumn apples pair wonderfully with earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy risotto. The sweetness of the apples complements the savoury depth of the mushrooms, making this a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a warming main course.
3. Roasted squash with sage and parmesan
Roasted squash, particularly varieties like acorn or kabocha, takes on a delicious sweetness when cooked. Roast with sage leaves and finish with freshly grated Parmesan for a simple yet elegant side dish.
4. Spiced apple cake
Nothing beats the scent of spiced apples baking in the oven. For a dessert, make a moist spiced apple cake, flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a simple glaze or whipped cream.
Seasonal produce for every season
Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into new recipes can take your menu to the next level. By embracing the natural rhythms of the seasons, you can offer your customers fresh, high-quality meals, while making the most of local produce.
Here at All Greens, we’re proud to support local farms and make fresh, local produce more accessible than ever. Get in touch with us today at our New Covent Garden Market head office and see why 100s of restaurants around London love using All Greens.