As autumn arrives in Provence, the markets transform into a vibrant palette of seasonal produce: pumpkins, squash, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, and figs. This shift in ingredients brings warmth, heartiness, and depth to Provençal cooking, perfect for savoring on a cozy evening. Even if you’re miles away from Provence, it’s easy to recreate the region’s signature flavors with a few simple tips and substitutions. Let’s dive into how you can bring the spirit of Provençal autumn into your own kitchen.

1. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables: Pumpkins, Squash, and Root Vegetables

Autumn in Provence is synonymous with an array of squash varieties, from pumpkin to butternut, and a host of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips. These ingredients form the backbone of many traditional Provençal dishes.

• How to Use Them: Try a Soupe au Pistou, a classic Provençal vegetable soup made with autumn vegetables and topped with a dollop of pistou* (similar to pesto). This soup is wonderfully warming, with the addition of beans and sometimes pasta to make it a hearty meal.
  • *Pistou is a classic Provençal sauce similar to Italian pesto, but it typically doesn’t contain nuts. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients: Fresh basil leaves, Garlic, Olive oil and salt. In some variations, grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese is added for extra richness, but traditionally, pistou is simply basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt. The ingredients are typically blended or pounded together until smooth, making a versatile sauce used in soups, over vegetables, and with pasta.
• US-Friendly Tip: Substitute with any squash you have available, such as acorn or kabocha squash, and don’t skip the pistou for that authentic Provençal taste.

2. Cook with Wild Mushrooms for an Earthy Touch

Mushrooms play a starring role in Provençal autumn cuisine, especially wild varieties like cèpes (porcini), chanterelles, and morels. These mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavour that enhances everything from stews to sauces.

• How to Use Them: Try a Mushroom Daube, a twist on the traditional beef daube. This meat-free version, simmered with garlic, herbs, and wine, offers an earthy, complex flavor that’s quintessentially autumnal.
• US-Friendly Tip: Look for fresh or dried porcini or chanterelles at your local market. If you can’t find these varieties, baby bellas or shiitake mushrooms are good substitutes that offer similar depth.

3. Roast Chestnuts for Snacking and Recipes

Chestnuts, abundant in Provence during fall, are a delight roasted over an open flame or used in both sweet and savory dishes.

• How to Use Them: Add roasted chestnuts to a fall salad, or use them in a creamy chestnut soup for a uniquely French flavor. Chestnuts pair particularly well with squash, leeks, and herbs like sage and thyme.
• US-Friendly Tip: Most grocery stores carry pre-cooked chestnuts during the fall season. You can use these directly in recipes or warm them up in the oven for a quick snack that transports you to the Provençal countryside.

4. Sweeten with Figs and Apples

Autumn in Provence also brings the sweetness of figs and apples, often used to balance the savory notes in dishes. Figs add a touch of luxury to Provençal recipes, while apples provide a more rustic charm.

• How to Use Them: Try a Tarte aux Figues for dessert or roast figs with honey and herbs to serve alongside cheese. For a savory twist, add apples to a pork or chicken roast, along with Provençal herbs for a sweet, aromatic finish.
• US-Friendly Tip: In the absence of fresh figs, dried figs can work well when rehydrated and cooked with a bit of honey. For a Provençal twist on your fall desserts, pair apples with herbs de Provence or thyme for an unexpected flavor boost.

5. Highlight Herbs de Provence in Every Dish

The aromatic blend of thyme, rosemary, savory, (la sarriette) and lavender that defines herbs de Provence is perfect for adding a warm, fragrant note to fall dishes.

• How to Use Them: Herbs de Provence are essential in Provençal stews, roasts, and braises. For an easy autumn side dish, roast root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of herbs de Provence to bring out a warm, herbaceous flavor.
• US-Friendly Tip: If you don’t have a herbs de Provence blend, you can mix equal parts thyme, rosemary, and savory. Lavender is optional, but it adds that distinct Provençal touch.

6. Use Local Olive Oil for Rich, Fruity Flavor

A cornerstone of Provençal cooking, olive oil lends its fruity, robust flavor to countless dishes, enhancing the taste of autumn produce.

• How to Use It: Olive oil isn’t just for cooking; it’s a star ingredient in Provençal cuisine. Drizzle it over roasted squash, or mix it into soups and stews for added depth. It’s also the key ingredient in aioli, a garlic-infused dip that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
• US-Friendly Tip: Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil with a fruity, green flavor for a Provençal touch. Use it to finish dishes rather than cook them to preserve its full flavor.

Autumnal Provençal Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Chestnut Salad with Herbs de Provence

Here’s a simple, delicious recipe inspired by the flavors of Provence in autumn. This warm salad combines roasted pumpkin, chestnuts, and herbs for a cozy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts (use pre-packaged for convenience)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crumbled goat cheese or feta for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. In the last 5 minutes, add the chestnuts to the baking sheet to warm them through.
5. Once roasted, arrange the pumpkin and chestnuts on a serving dish, and top with crumbled goat cheese if desired. Drizzle with extra olive oil to finish.

Serve warm, and enjoy this taste of Provençal autumn at home!

Bringing Provençal Autumn to Your Kitchen

These tips and ingredients will help you create warm, inviting dishes inspired by Provence’s autumn harvest. If you’re interested in learning more, our cooking classes offer immersive experiences, bringing you closer to authentic Provençal recipes and techniques. Each class highlights the best of Provence’s seasonal ingredients, guiding you through the process of creating dishes that bring the flavors of this stunning region to your own table.

Whether it’s a cozy pumpkin soup, a fig tart, or a hearty daube, there’s a special charm to Provençal cuisine in autumn—one that warms both the body and soul. Join us to experience the magic of Provençal cooking and bring the essence of autumn in Provence into your home.