What to cook this September: 7 seasonal recipes that make the most of early autumn ingredients

Wednesday 3 September 2025 15:30 - Daniele Mainieri
What to cook this September: 7 seasonal recipes that make the most of early autumn ingredients

September is the month of transition: summer is drawing to a close, but the earth continues to yield ingredients rich in color, flavor and beneficial properties. It is the perfect time to enjoy the last of the summer fruits and welcome the first autumn delights, striking the right balance between freshness and comfort food.

Cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables in September is not only a sustainable choice, but also the best way to enhance the natural taste and nutritional properties of foods. In this guide you will discover which ingredients are the stars of the month and how to use them in the kitchen.


1. Grapes: the symbolic fruit of September

Queen of the harvest, grapes are rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol, which promotes heart health. It provides instant energy and is a good source of water and potassium. Dark varieties contain anthocyanins, valuable allies against cellular aging. Enjoy fresh, in salads, risottos or desserts.

Fig and grape tartRecipe Fig and grape tart

Sometimes, when choosing a dessert, we can't decide between two recipes... We feel a bit... half-fig... half-grape... But wait, figs and grapes are both in season in September, aren't they? Why not bring this expression to life by making a tart?!...

2. Early apples: crisp and fragrant

The first apples of September are fresh, crisp and rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and fiber, excellent for intestinal well-being. Ideal to enjoy au naturel, in purées, baked desserts or to enrich salads with dried fruits and cheeses.

Apple cake - video recipe!Recipe Apple cake - video recipe!

The easiest cakes are always the best ! Especially when you use seasonal fruits ! Here is our apple cake recipe .

3. Figs

Figs are among the tastiest fruits of September: sweet, juicy and rich in natural sugars, fiber, calcium and magnesium. They aid digestion and are perfect for creating sweet-savory contrasts, such as on bruschetta with cheese and honey, or in seasonal pies and tarts.

Fig, fresh goat cheese, honey and rosemary toastsRecipe Fig, fresh goat cheese, honey and rosemary toasts

Fig season is well and truly underway, and since it’s short, we’re determined to make the most of it! These little fruits can be enjoyed in countless ways: in a salad , in a tart or in a risotto. This sweet, tender fruit never ceases to amaze us!...

4. Leeks: delicate and nutritious

September marks the beginning of the season for leeks, which are sweeter and more tender than in winter. They are rich in flavonoids, sulfur and fiber, and perfect for velvety soups, muffins, pies, risottos or as a delicate base for light stir-fries.

Muffins with creamed leeksRecipe Muffins with creamed leeks

Today, we've decided to make sure the whole family eats their vegetables! So we're choosing leeks, which we'll hide in savory muffins! These muffins are great to nibble on as an appetizer or starter, or to serve with a mixed salad for an easy,...

5. Pears: juicy and aromatic

Among the most popular September pears are Williams and Kaiser. Rich in water, vitamin C and soluble fiber, they promote digestion and intestinal regularity. Excellent in desserts such as cakes and crumbles, as well as in savory dishes, paired with blue cheeses or autumn salads.

Chocolate stuffed pears - video recipe!Recipe Chocolate stuffed pears - video recipe!

When you have pears going bad, this is the recipe to try ! A melting chocolate core into this sweet fruit, wrapped in a crunchy puff pastry, and you have a dessert that no one will forget !


6. Pumpkin: the coming autumn

September also marks the beginning of pumpkin season. Early varieties begin to arrive on market stalls, sweet and firm. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium and fiber, it is perfect for creamy, light and nutritious preparations.

Pasta with pumpkin and sausageRecipe Pasta with pumpkin and sausage

A classic Italian first course , perfect for autumn. The sweetness of pumpkin pairs perfectly with the bold flavor of crumbled sausage , creating a beautifully balanced, mouthwatering dish you’ll want to make again. This pumpkin and sausage pasta...

7. Zucchini: last weeks of the season.

September zucchini are still sweet and tender. Versatile and light, they lend themselves to risottos, pies, grilled side dishes or creative recipes such as pasta with zucchini and basil cream or baked vegetarian meatballs.

Baked zucchini croquettesRecipe Baked zucchini croquettes

A tasty, crispy exterior and a soft interior that melts in your mouth: our baked zucchini croquettes will delight you with every bite! This light and easy-to-prepare recipe is served with a refreshing homemade yogurt sauce . You’ll need just a few...

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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