Autumn is a season for cozy meals and vibrant flavors. The harvest brings an abundance of ingredients that are perfect for simple, satisfying dishes—think hearty grains, roasted vegetables, and smoky, savory touches. These three recipes highlight the best of the season while showcasing Native-made products you can find at SweetGrass Trading Company. Each recipe is approachable, flavorful, and celebrates ingredients that make fall cooking feel special.
Wild Rice and Roasted Vegetable Salad
A hearty, earthy salad that works as a side or a main dish. Serves 3-4.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked Red Lake Nation Wild Rice
- 1 cup diced squash or pumpkin
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of cooked brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp Warrior Blends Wild Mushroom Salt
- 2 tbsp Passamaquoddy Maple Syrup
- Drizzle of Seka Hills olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook wild rice according to package directions.
- Toss squash, brussels sprouts and bell pepper with olive oil, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of mushroom salt. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix roasted vegetables with cooked rice and season with remaining mushroom salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Indian Corn and Tepary Bean Chili (prep corn and beans ahead of time for best results)
A colorful, protein-packed chili that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Serves 6.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups brown or black Ramona Farms Tepary Beans, soaked overnight, but not yet cooked
- 1 cups cooked SweetGrass Trading Company Indian Corn (follow instructions on package)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can of diced green chiles
- 1 tbsp chili powder or chili seasoning blend, or more to taste
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Seka Hills olive oil
- 1 (10 oz.) can of Rotel or diced tomatoes, do not drain ‘
- 1 (15 oz.) can of tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- Optional: Add 1 lb. ground beef, bison, turkey, venison, etc., in step 1 for more protein.
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. (Add ground meat here if desired.)
- Add soaked beans, tomatoes, corn, canned chiles, Rotel, tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until beans are tender.
- Season with mushroom salt and adjust spices to taste.
Smoked Salmon Maple Bites
A quick appetizer that balances smoky and sweet flavors. Makes about 18-20 bites, depending on how much salmon you use per cracker.
Ingredients:
- Crackers or crostini
- Cream cheese or a soft cheese of your choice (we recommend Camembert)
Instructions:
- Spread cheese on each cracker or crostini.
- Top with a small piece of smoked salmon.
- Drizzle lightly with maple syrup and sprinkle a pinch of mushroom salt. Serve immediately.
These recipes make it easy to bring harvest flavors to your table while supporting Native-made foods. From hearty grains and beans to smoky salmon and sweet maple, they show how simple ingredients can create flavorful, seasonal dishes. You can find all these ingredients and more at SweetGrass Trading Company.