Fall is the season for big appetites—and honestly, who could blame us? With seasonal goodies like daikon, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and seafood at their freshest, it’s the perfect time to dive into some cozy, soul-warming dishes.
Now, if you’re feeling the weather turn and wishing you could enjoy some warm, hearty Asian-inspired meals without tracking down tons of ingredients, we’ve got you covered. Mekhala’s 100% organic Asian cooking pastes make it ridiculously easy to whip up flavor-packed dishes without the fuss. Just grab a few spoonfuls, throw in your go-to ingredients, and boom—fall comfort food, done and dusted.
Need some tasty inspo? We’ve pulled together five Asian-inspired fall recipes that are so simple and delicious, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try them sooner.
Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
1. Thai Pumpkin Curry Soup
Pumpkin and fall go together like cozy sweaters and warm drinks. This recipe combines the nutty sweetness of pumpkin with the rich, warming spices of Thai yellow curry. The result? A comforting, nourishing bowl, perfect for chilly autumn nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Mekhala Organic Thai Yellow Curry Paste
- 1 can pumpkin purée (or roasted fresh pumpkin if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced fall veggies (think carrots, sweet potatoes, or whatever you’ve got)
- Optional: Chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein
Method:
Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot. Add Mekhala’s Organic Thai Yellow Curry Paste and sauté for a minute or two.
Stir in the pumpkin purée, coconut milk, and broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer.
Toss in your fall veggies and protein of choice. Be sure to let everything cook until tender.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm naan or a side of jasmine rice.
Pro Tip: Roasting fresh pumpkin instead of using canned puree gives the soup a deeper caramelized flavor. Trust us, it’s worth the extra step.
2. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Seasonal Veggies
We’ve given the classic stir-fry a fall makeover with hearty seasonal veggies. And Mekhala’s Organic Roasted Chili Sambal Paste adds just the right amount of spice to warm you up on those chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp Mekhala Organic Roasted Chili Sambal Paste
- 1 block tofu (or chicken if you prefer)
- A mix of seasonal veggies (like bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini)
- Rice or quinoa as your base
Method:
Heat some oil in a pan, add your tofu (or chicken), and stir-fry until it’s golden and crispy on the outside.
Toss in the Roasted Chili Sambal Paste and a splash of coconut milk, stirring to coat everything nice and good.
Add your seasonal veggies and stir-fry until they’re tender- but still a bit crisp.
Serve everything over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Pro Tip: Roast the Brussels sprouts beforehand for extra crispy goodness!
3. Lemongrass Spaghetti with Roasted Fall Veggies
Surprise your dinner guests with this perfect fusion of Italian and Southeast Asian flavors. While the roasted fall veggies bring a cozy autumn vibe, Mekhala’s Organic Lemongrass Turmeric Paste adds a fresh, zesty twist. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a unique flair.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp Mekhala Organic Lemongrass Turmeric Paste
- Spaghetti (or your favorite noodles)
- Roasted fall vegetables (like butternut squash, carrots, and cauliflower)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro or Thai basil) for garnish
Method:
Preheat your oven and roast the fall vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re caramelized and golden brown.
While the veggies roast, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and toss it with Mekhala’s Lemongrass Turmeric Paste, making sure the noodles are evenly coated.
Add the roasted veggies on top, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping this dish with Mekhala’s Crispy Onions for a satisfying crunch!
Pro tip: Add some crispy tofu or grilled chicken to make this dish more filling!
4. Tom Yum Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is an absolute fall go-to, but with Mekhala’s Organic Tom Yum Paste, you’re taking things up a notch. The spicy, tangy flavors of Tom Yum, mixed with a hint of lime, will have you hooked- no questions asked.
Ingredients:
- Mekhala Organic Tom Yum Paste
- Whole chicken or chicken thighs
- Lime juice, garlic, and fresh ginger
- Your favorite fall veggies (like roasted potatoes, carrots, or green beans)
Method:
Rub the chicken or chicken thighs with the Tom Yum Paste, a good squeeze of lime juice, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Let it sit for a bit to soak in the flavors.
Pop it in the oven and roast until the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender.
While it’s roasting, throw in some fall veggies, such as potatoes or green beans, to roast alongside for an easy side.
Serve up this zesty, spicy chicken with the caramelized veggies.
Pro Tip: The Tom Yum paste is spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding extra lime juice or a teensy bit of sugar to the marinade.
5. Miso Ginger Noodle Soup with Fall Mushrooms
Nothing says fall like a big, steamy bowl of noodle soup! Packed with delicious fall mushrooms like shitake and oyster, this zesty broth is sure to warm you up from the inside out. It’s cozy, comforting, and a delectable one-pot wonder.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp Mekhala Organic Miso Ginger Paste
- A mix of fall mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or maitake are perfect)
- Protein of your choice (shrimp, tofu, or chicken)
- Noodles, fresh herbs (like cilantro), and lime wedges for garnish
Method:
In a large pot, create your miso ginger broth by mixing Mekhala’s Organic Miso Ginger Paste with water/broth. Bring it to a simmer.
Add in the mushrooms, your protein of choice, and any extra veggies you have on hand. Let them cook until tender and full of flavor.
Toss in your noodles for a heartier meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing.
Pro Tip: For an extra umami boost, stir in a bit of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil.
The Bottom Line
There you have it—five fantastic Asian-inspired recipes to help you welcome the fall. So, why wait? Grab your favorite fall veggies or proteins, and see just how easy it is to elevate simple, seasonal ingredients with Mekhala’s cooking pastes.
To get your hands on all the pastes mentioned in this post, head over to our website or use our store locator to find a Mekhala retailer near you. Happy cooking!
