October is one of my favourite eating months here in the U.K. – it’s comfort food time! If you’re wondering what to eat in October, you’re in the right place.
Unless we’re treated to an Indian summer (which is fairly unlikely), October is the time when we really experience a chill in the air. Chilly drizzle, brisk winds and maybe even a storm or two.
To me, that means comfort. Roasts, pasta bakes, soups and all of those lovely things. Food becomes a warm hug, something to look forward to.
What to Eat in October – In Season
Along with the obvious (pumpkins!), there is plenty of fresh produce in season in October. We start to see those winter vegetables – the ones that will keep us nourished during the coldest time of the year – filling the shelves.
These are some of the ingredients that are in season in October:
- Kale
- Beetroot
- Leeks
- Blackberries
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Runner beans
- Fennel
- Rocket
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Beef
- Lamb
- Mackerel
- Oysters
Here, I’ve selected some beautiful recipes which are perfect for cooking in October. Simply save the page and use this as your shopping guide for the next 4 weeks!
What to Eat in October – Week 1
Start the week with a delicious, creamy courgette pasta and end it with roast beef and Yorkshire puddings – followed by a warm beef and lentil salad made with the leftovers.
Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
A quick creamy pasta recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, with delicious courgette (zucchini) and garlic for a dish you won’t want to stop eating!
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Pan Fried Sea Bass with Lentils
Crispy skinned pan fried sea bass with veg packed lentils
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One Pot Chicken, Bacon and Peas
French style creamy chicken, bacon and peas all cooked in one pot. Perfect served on its own, or with bread, pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.
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Toad-in-the-Hole With Onion Gravy
Sausages cooked with a golden fluffy batter and a rich onion gravy.
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Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Puddings
Roast beef with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, honey carrots and red wine gravy
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Warm Beef and Lentil Salad
A delicious beef and lentil salad made with leftover roast beef and a honey mustard dressing.
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What to Eat in October – Week 2
Start the week with one of my favourite ever recipes – goats cheese stuffed shells – and enjoy my simple baked chicken satay at the weekend.
Goats Cheese Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells stuffed with goats cheese and chives, in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and topped with melty mozzarella.
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Pan Fried Sea Bass with Olive Linguine
Simple pan fried sea bass with a black olive linguine
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Pastrami and Cheese Bagels
Easy pastrami bagels with cheese, hash browns, pickled baby cucumbers and mustard.
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Curried Lentil Soup
Warming lentil soup with coriander, cumin and curry powder. Delicious topped with yoghurt.
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Bacon, Leek and Walnut Tart
A puff pastry tart topped with bacon, leeks, walnuts and Gorgonzola. Delicious served with a side salad.
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Baked Chicken Satay
Easy baked chicken satay with a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, chillies, ginger, honey and sesame oil.
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Pancetta, Mushroom and Spelt Broth
A delicious winter warmer spelt broth with pancetta, mushrooms and parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes.
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What to Eat in October – Week 3
A tasty, warming leek and ricotta soup is on the menu this week, along with Greek style roast chicken and a chicken and pea risotto made from the leftovers.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
Simple, comforting creamy pesto pasta bake with basil, peas and mozzarella.
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Spaghetti Carbonara – 5 Ingredients (20 Mins, No Cream)
A quick and creamy 5-ingredient spaghetti carbonara made the authentic way — no cream needed. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s rich, silky, and full of flavour. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple date-night dinner.
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Prawn Saganaki
A saucy prawn and tomato dish topped with salty feta – perfect as a starter or light dinner.
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Chorizo, Pepper and Mozzarella Frittata
A simple 4 ingredient frittata with spicy chorizo, sweet peppers and creamy mozzarella.
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Leek and Ricotta Soup
A simple and delicious soup with leek, onion, potato and ricotta.
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Greek Style Roast Chicken and Vegetables
A simple, one pot Greek style roast chicken with anchovies, capers, lemon and garlic, served with potatoes, peppers and tomatoes.
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Chicken and Pea Risotto – Easy Leftover Roast Chicken Recipe
Creamy, comforting chicken and pea risotto made with leftover roast chicken. This easy one-pot dinner uses simple ingredients for a delicious, budget-friendly family meal.
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What to Eat in October – Week 4
You’re going to love the pumpkin, pancetta and rosemary pasta this week! It’s perfect for using up those October pumpkins. You’ve got an incredible pork loin to make too – you can make it in the oven if the weather is poor.
Smoky Halloumi Fajitas – Easy Vegetarian Dinner Ready in 15 Minutes
Quick and easy smoky halloumi fajitas made with peppers, onion and smoked paprika. Ready in 15 minutes – a perfect vegetarian dinner that’s full of flavour and family-friendly.
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Pumpkin, Pancetta and Rosemary Pennoni
A comforting, creamy and delicious pasta dish with pumpkin, pancetta and rosemary.
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Pearl Barley, Vegetable and Bacon Broth
A hearty, warming pearl barley and bacon broth with carrots, leeks and cabbage.
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Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagne
A seriously delicious vegetarian lasagne with butternut squash, ricotta and sage.
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Miso Soup with Noodles and Stir-Fried Veg
A delicious, comforting miso broth with noodles and tofu, topped with stir fried mushrooms, courgette, sugar snap peas, pan choi and spring onions.
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The Best Barbecued Pork Loin With Smoky BBQ Rub
Juicy, smoky barbecued pork loin with a simple spice rub and homemade barbecue sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or as a festive pork roast — rich, sticky and full of flavour.
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Smoky Pork and Black Bean Tacos
Delicious, smoky pork and black bean tacos with all the flavour of slow cooking and ready in just half an hour!
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More from this series;
What to Eat This Month – November
What to Eat This Month – December
What to Eat This Month – January
What to Eat This Month – February
What to Eat This Month – March
What to Eat This Month – April
What to Eat This Month – May
What to Eat This Month – June
What to Eat This Month – July
What to Eat This Month – August
What to Eat This Month – September 2024
