Savour the Flavors of Fall: the best Autumn Recipes in Switzerland

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp, there's no better time to embrace the joys of autumn. Switzerland, with its stunning landscapes and rich culinary traditions, offers a perfect setting for celebrating the season with amazing autumn recipes. In this blog, we'll explore the delicious world of autumn ingredients, share three traditional recipes you can try at home, and reveal where to savour the best autumn flavours in Switzerland.

Delicious Autumn Ingredients to Look Out For

Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a moment to appreciate the star ingredients that make Swiss autumn cuisine truly special:

• Apples: Switzerland's apple orchards burst with ripe, juicy fruits during the fall season. Look for varieties like Boskoop or Gravenstein to add a sweet and tangy touch to your dishes.
• Pumpkins: From hearty pumpkin soups to creamy pumpkin risottos, this versatile vegetable is a fall staple in Swiss kitchens. Try the Hokkaido or Musquee de Provence varieties for an authentic taste.
• Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a beloved street food in Switzerland during autumn. Incorporate them into your recipes for a delightful earthy flavour.
• Mushrooms: The forests of Switzerland are treasure troves of mushrooms in autumn. Chanterelles and porcini mushrooms are popular choices for hearty dishes.
• Game Meat: Swiss hunters provide a bounty of game meats like venison and wild boar during the fall hunting season, adding rich, gamey flavors to traditional dishes.

Now that we've set the stage with these seasonal autumn ingredients, let's move on to some mouthwatering recipes.

3 Traditional Recipes to Try out this Autumn.

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: This Zurich specialty features thinly sliced veal cooked in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, perfect for a high protein dinner. It's traditionally served with Rösti (Swiss potato pancakes) and captures the essence of Swiss comfort food. We like to serve ours with braised red cabbage for an added vitamin kick.
• Wild Game Dishes (La chasse): Switzerland's autumn hunting season brings an array of game meats to the table. Dishes like Venison Stew (Hirschgulasch) and Wild Boar Ragout (Wildschweinragout) are popular choices. These hearty stews feature tender, slow-cooked game meat simmered in rich, aromatic sauces often flavoured with red wine, juniper berries, and herbs. They are commonly served with a side of Spätzli (Swiss dumplings).
• Kürbissuppe (Pumpkin Soup): Warm up with a bowl of creamy Swiss pumpkin soup, garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of local honey for a touch of sweetness.

The best Swiss Autumn desserts

If you’re looking for something sweet to treat yourself on a cheat day, try some of these autumn favourites:

• Cholera: Don’t be put off by the name! Cholera is a delicious Swiss pastry pie that's perfect for autumn picnics. It's traditionally made with a flaky pie crust filled with a mixture of sliced potatoes, leeks, apples, and cheese, usually Vacherin or Gruyère. The filling is flavoured with onions, herbs, and white wine, resulting in a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
• Nusstorte (Nut Tart): Nusstorte is a specialty from the Engadin region of Switzerland, and it's a delightful treat to enjoy in the fall. This pastry features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a sweet and nutty filling. The filling is typically made from a mixture of chopped nuts, sugar, and honey, with flavors often enhanced by the addition of local ingredients like mountain herbs. Nusstorte is the perfect balance of crunchy and sweet, making it a comforting autumn dessert.
• Birnenweggen (Pear Bread): Birnenweggen is a Swiss pear bread that's particularly popular in the fall when pears are in season. It's a sweet bread filled with sliced or diced pears and often spiced with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. The pears add moisture and natural sweetness to the bread, making it a wonderful treat for a crisp autumn morning or as an accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Where to Enjoy the Best Autumn Recipes

If you're looking to savour the flavours of fall without the hassle of cooking, Switzerland offers numerous dining options:

• Alpine Chalets: Visit charming mountain chalets where you can relish hearty, locally-sourced dishes like fondue, raclette, and game meats in a cozy, rustic setting.
• Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Seek out farm-to-table restaurants in Switzerland's picturesque countryside, where chefs create seasonal menus featuring the freshest autumn produce.
• Autumn Festivals: Attend local autumn festivals and food markets to sample a wide range of Swiss autumn delicacies and street food.
• Meal services: order a sample of meals to be delivered directly to your door for a cosy and tasty night in.

Switzerland's autumn recipes are a celebration of nature's bounty and rich culinary heritage. Whether you're preparing these traditional dishes at home or exploring the vibrant food scene in Switzerland, the flavours of fall are sure to leave you craving more. Embrace the season and indulge in the deliciousness of Swiss autumn recipes—it's a feast for the senses you won't want to miss!

About Powermeals

At Powermeals we love seasonal produce. Our chefs cook balanced meals from scratch with fresh and seasonal Swiss vegetables, ready to be delivered to your door, anywhere in Switzerland. Find out more about our meal delivery service.