Who says autumn is all about meat stews? Fish can play a significant role in autumn cooking, offering a lighter and equally satisfying option with comforting, rich flavours.
In the last 30 days, online searches for ‘fish soup recipes’ surged by over 5000%, and ‘recipe for fish pie’ rose by 40%, showing an increase in interest for seafood options.
A spokesperson at online butchers, Campbells Prime Meat comments,
“Autumn seafood dishes, from comforting fish pies to smoky Cullen Skink, capture the essence of the season. They offer warmth and nutrition as the weather cools down, highlighting the diversity of autumn cuisine beyond the dominance of meat dishes.
“Adding more fish to your diet offers a range of health benefits because they are rich sources of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins.”
The team at Campbells Meats have shared eight tips on how to embrace autumn and transition your fish dishes into warming seasonal comforts:
Eight Tips to Embrace Autumn Seafood
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Embrace Hearty Ingredients
Autumn calls for heartier, more robust ingredients. Consider using ingredients like root vegetables (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips), mushrooms, and squashes as accompaniments to your fish dishes. Roasted or braised root vegetables pair well with fish and can add a comforting element to your meals. -
Incorporate Seasonal Herbs and Spices
Experiment with autumnal herbs and spices to season your fish. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg are all great choices. These spices add warmth and depth of flavour to your dishes, a common practice in British cooking.
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Opt for Warm Cooking Techniques
Transition from grilling and light sautéing to more warming cooking methods like slow cooking, roasting, baking, or poaching. These methods are ideal for autumn seafood dishes as they help intensify flavours and create comforting, aromatic dishes.
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Use Rich Sauces and Broths
As the weather cools down, consider using richer sauces and broths to complement your fish. Cream-based sauces, wine reductions, and fish stocks can add depth and warmth to your autumn dishes.
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Explore Classic Fish Dishes
Aside from fish and chips, consider classics like fish pie, baked salmon with a creamy parsley sauce, kippers or Scotland’s famous Cullen Skink. These dishes are hearty and perfect for autumn.
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Try Seasonal Seafood
While some types of fish are available year-round, you can also explore seasonal seafood options. Look for fish varieties that are in season during the autumn months in your region. In the UK, mackerel, herring, hake and pollack are often most abundant during autumn.
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Don’t Forget About Shellfish
Autumn is a great time for shellfish like mussels, cockles, and oysters, which are commonly enjoyed in coastal regions around the UK. You can use them in seafood stews, or tasty pasta dishes. -
Wine Pairing
Pair your autumn fish dishes with wines that complement the flavours of the season. Light to medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay can work well with many fish dishes.
