Cozy Autumn Recipes in Malta: Squash, Apple Pie & More
As autumn graces Malta with its cooler temperatures and abundant seasonal produce, this curated collection of recipes highlights the rich flavors and comforting dishes perfect for the season. From the vegan showstopper of Hasselback butternut squash with chestnuts and pecans to the classic deep-dish apple pie, these recipes celebrate the island's vibrant autumnal ingredients like apples, squashes, and celeriac. Dishes such as sticky aubergine with mushroom soba noodles, balsamic roast chicory with Jerusalem artichokes, and pork escalopes with green apple slaw offer a mix of hearty, health-conscious, and globally inspired options. Nostalgic desserts like toffee apple sheet cake and clementine pistachio mini pavlovas add a festive touch, while fun snacks like choc apple pops make the most of Malta’s seasonal bounty. Perfect for family meals, quick lunches, or festive gatherings, these recipes embrace the warmth, flavor, and joy of Maltese autumn cooking.
Delightful Autumn Recipes for Malta: From Hasselback Butternut Squash to Deep-Dish Apple Pie
As the warm Maltese summer transitions into the cooler embrace of autumn, it’s the perfect time to welcome the rich flavors and comforting dishes of the season. The markets in Malta are brimming with vibrant produce—crisp apples, earthy root vegetables, and hearty squashes—all ready to inspire your next culinary adventure. Autumn is a celebration of abundance, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet the warmth of the oven and the joy of cooking wholesome meals for loved ones.
This collection of autumn recipes is a nod to the season's bounty, perfect for the Maltese lifestyle that balances indulgence with health-conscious choices. From a vegan masterpiece featuring caramelised butternut squash to a golden, buttery deep-dish apple pie, these recipes are versatile, satisfying, and full of seasonal charm. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family lunch or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, there’s something here for everyone.
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Chestnuts, Pecans, and Green Sauce
A Vegan Showstopper Perfect for Christmas or Any Special Occasion
This dish by chef and food writer Joe Woodhouse is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Hasselback butternut squash, with its caramelised edges and nutty crunch, is a plant-based masterpiece that could easily take center stage on your Christmas table. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that celebrates the simplicity and beauty of wholesome ingredients.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Packed with vitamins A and C, butternut squash supports immunity—perfect for the cooler months on the island.
Chicken Salad with Apple and Celeriac
A Crisp and Tangy Salad That’s Perfect for a Quick Lunch
This recipe by Emma Hatcher is a refreshing take on autumnal flavors. Combining shredded chicken, crisp apples, celeriac, and a zesty mustard dressing, it’s a light and nutrient-packed dish that’s ideal for busy weekdays.
Why It’s Great for Malta: With local apples and celeriac readily available, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal Maltese produce while staying light and healthy.
Sticky Aubergine with Mushroom Soba Noodles
Umami-Packed Comfort Food for Chilly Evenings
This dish is a bowl of pure comfort. Aubergines, shiitake mushrooms, and soba noodles come together in a sticky, savory sauce that’s brimming with flavor. It’s a quick and hearty meal with a boost of antioxidants from the aubergine and broccoli.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Ideal for vegetarians, this recipe is a nutrient-rich option for those looking to explore Asian-inspired flavors while prioritizing health.
Deep-Dish Apple Pie
A Classic Dessert with a Buttery Crust and Spiced Apples
Nothing says autumn like the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This deep-dish apple pie by Lisa Faulkner is the perfect Sunday treat, layered with tender apples and a flaky golden crust.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Apples are in peak season during Maltese autumn, and this pie is a delicious way to incorporate their natural sweetness into your diet.
Balsamic Roast Chicory and Jerusalem Artichokes with Dill Butter Beans
A Warm Salad That’s Bittersweet, Nutty, and Utterly Autumnal
Ed Smith’s recipe is a sophisticated mix of roasted chicory, nutty Jerusalem artichokes, and creamy dill butter beans. It’s a dish that works equally well as a light dinner or a side for a larger meal.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Jerusalem artichokes are rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health—a fantastic choice for a health-conscious Maltese table.
Pork Escalopes with Green Apple and Fennel Slaw
A Quick and Zesty Midweek Dinner
This dish by Sophie Austen-Smith is a celebration of texture and flavor. Tender pork escalopes pair beautifully with a vibrant slaw of green apple and fennel, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal.
Why It’s Great for Malta: With its use of locally grown fennel and apples, this dish highlights the best of Maltese autumn produce while keeping preparation simple.
Clementine and Pistachio Mini Pavlovas
A Light, Festive Dessert That’s Big on Flavor
Benjamina Ebuehi’s pavlovas are a quick and elegant dessert option. With a creamy base of Greek yogurt and whipped cream, topped with zesty clementines and crunchy pistachios, these mini treats are perfect for entertaining.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Citrus fruits like clementines thrive in Malta, making this dessert a fresh and local choice for your festive table.
Toffee Apple Sheet Cake
A Nostalgic Traybake That’s Perfect for Sharing
This toffee apple sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser, combining the cozy flavors of spiced apples with the indulgence of a caramel buttercream. It’s ideal for family gatherings or community events.
Why It’s Great for Malta: A traybake is perfect for Malta’s close-knit communities, where food is often shared among family and friends.
Pork, Apple, and Mustard Sandwich
A Hearty, Flavorful Lunch Option
This sandwich takes the humble sarnie to new heights with juicy pulled ham, sharp mustard, and crunchy slaw. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for lunch on the go.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Easily adaptable with locally baked bread, this sandwich is a delicious reminder that simple ingredients can create memorable meals.
Choc Apple Pops
A Fun and Healthy Snack for All Ages
These chocolate-dipped apple pops are a delightful alternative to traditional toffee apples. With lower sugar and the option to customize toppings, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
Why It’s Great for Malta: Perfect for family activities, these pops are a playful way to enjoy Malta’s abundant apples while promoting healthier snacking.
A Season to Savor
Autumn in Malta is a time to embrace the abundance of local produce and the joy of cooking wholesome meals. From vegan centerpieces to nutrient-packed salads and nostalgic desserts, these recipes celebrate the flavors of the season while keeping your health and well-being in mind. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or hosting friends, these dishes bring comfort, warmth, and a touch of indulgence to your table.
So, grab your apron, visit your local farmers’ market, and let the flavors of Maltese autumn inspire your next culinary creation. Bon appétit!