10 Cozy Fall Dinners for One (Squash, Cabbage and Apples) | Seniors Living Alone

Ten cozy fall dinners for one from one butternut squash, one cabbage, and apples. Cook them in use-it-first order so less produce gets wasted. 01:00 - COD WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE AND BROWN BUTTER — serves 1 1 cod fillet, 6 oz; 1½ cups squash; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp oil; salt; 1 tsp bottled lemon juice. Simmer squash 12–15 min; mash with 1 tbsp butter. Cook cod 3–4 min, turn, 2–3 min to 145°F. Brown remaining butter 1–2 min; add lemon juice. 03:17 - BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS — makes 2 1½ cups squash; 15 oz black beans; 10 oz mild red enchilada sauce; 6 six-inch flour tortillas; 1 cup Monterey Jack; ½ small onion; 1 tbsp oil; 1 tsp cumin. 375°F. Cook onion+squash 10–12 min; add cumin and beans, mash ⅓. Fill tortillas, sauce and cheese. Cover 15 min, uncover 10 min, rest 5. Chill within 2 hr; reheat to 165°F within 3–4 days. 05:12 - WARM FARRO WITH SQUASH, KALE AND TOASTED PECANS — makes 2 ½ cup pearled farro; 1 cup squash; 2 cups kale; 2 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup pecans; ¼ cup parmesan; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; salt. 425°F. Roast squash 20–25 min, turning once; pecans last 4 min. Cook farro; sauté kale 3–4 min. Toss warm with maple+vinegar. Chill second portion within 2 hr; reheat to 165°F within 3–4 days. 07:00 - RED CURRY WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SHRIMP — serves 1 1 cup squash; 6 oz peeled deveined shrimp; 1 tbsp red curry paste; 5.4 oz coconut milk; ½ cup water; 1 tsp oil; 1 tsp bottled lime juice; 4.4 oz precooked jasmine rice. Warm curry paste 1 min. Add coconut milk, water and halved squash cubes; cover 10–12 min. Add shrimp 3–4 min, turning once, until pearly and opaque. Add lime; serve over hot rice. 08:37 - GINGER PORK WITH SHREDDED CABBAGE — serves 1 4 cabbage leaves; 1 boneless pork loin chop, 6 oz; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp oil; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp honey; 1 tsp ginger; 1 tbsp water; 4.4 oz precooked jasmine rice. Shred cabbage thin. Cut pork into ¾-inch pieces; coat with cornstarch. Brown 2 min, turn, 2–3 min to 145°F; rest 3 min. Bubble sauce 1 min; serve with raw cabbage and rice. 11:57 - COLCANNON WITH HAM — makes 2 4 cabbage leaves; 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, usually 2 medium; 3 tbsp butter; ½ cup milk; 2 green onions; salt; 8 oz fully cooked ham steak. Simmer 1-inch potato chunks 15 min. Cook cabbage+onions in 1 tbsp butter 5–6 min. Drain; dry potatoes 1 min, mash with milk, 1 tbsp butter and salt; fold in cabbage. Brown ham 3–4 min per side to 165°F. Add final butter. Reheat second portion to 165°F within 3–4 days. 13:57 - OKONOMIYAKI, A SAVORY CABBAGE PANCAKE — serves 1 2 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup flour; ⅓ cup water; 1 egg; salt; 2 green onions; 2 cooked bacon slices; 1 tbsp oil. Sauce: 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp mayonnaise. Cook covered 6–7 min. Turn with plate+skillet; cook bacon-side down, covered, 5–6 min. Center: 165°F. Add sauce and mayonnaise. 16:22 - SALMON WITH SAUTEED CABBAGE AND APPLE — serves 1 Remaining cabbage, about 4 cups total; 1 apple; 1 skin-on salmon fillet, 5 oz; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp oil; salt. Cook cabbage in 1 tbsp butter 8–10 min; add apple 3–4 min, then vinegar. Cook salmon skin-side down 4–5 min, turn, 2–3 min to 145°F. Serve over cabbage with remaining butter. 18:23 - TURKEY, APPLE AND CHEDDAR MELT — serves 1 2 sourdough slices; 3 oz deli turkey; 2 sharp cheddar slices; 1 apple; 1 tsp Dijon; 1 tbsp soft butter. Slice half the apple thin; cut half into wedges. Heat turkey about 2 min to 165°F or steaming hot. Assemble; cook covered over medium-low 3–4 min per side; rest 1 min. Use opened deli turkey within 3–5 days. 19:59 - CHICKEN WITH APPLES AND CIDER — serves 1 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs, 8 oz total; 1 apple; ½ small onion; ½ cup pasteurized cider or unsweetened apple juice; 2 tbsp cream; 1 tsp Dijon; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp oil; ½ tsp thyme; salt. Brown chicken 5 min, turn, 4–5 min to 165°F. Cook 8 apple wedges+onion 4–5 min. Add cider; simmer 3–4 min to half. Add mustard+cream 1 min; return chicken 1 min. ===================== Let me know in the comments which one you're trying first, and don't forget to subscribe for more easy, gentle made for one. These recipes are shared for general enjoyment. Please adjust ingredients to your own tastes and any dietary needs, and check with your doctor about anything specific to your health.