Thrifty & Organic Meal Planner for Organic September:
Somerset Pork, Apple Tart and Many More Recipes!
Core Ingredients for September:
Pork, Apples, Butternut Squash, Leeks, Cabbage and Oats
September Menu:
Spiced Roast Butternut Squash Soup
Irish Soda Bread with Oats
Somerset Pork with Apples
Creamed Leek and Cabbage Braise
Rustic Apple Galette
Welcome to a very special September Thrifty and Organic Meal Planner! This is not just a special month due to the lovely recipes I have been creating, but also because September sees the annual launch of Organic September. So, what is Organic September, well to quote the Soil Association’s leading statement on their website, it is….
“Organic September is the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic. This year we’re asking everyone to make a Small Change in their everyday lives, in order to make a Big Difference to our food and farming. We believe if we all make a small and achievable change in September and beyond, collectively we can make a big difference. By choosing organic we can all support a kinder, greener and better food system – from more bees and hedgerows, better animal welfare, and shorter more trustworthy food chains. This can be achieved by doing simple, every day changes such as switching your milk to organic or choosing organic moisturiser”…..
When I started working with Organic UK eight months ago, I was already a committed organic consumer, but, sometimes I would let price sway my final decision. However, I have noticed a huge reduction in the margins between organic and non-organic produce over the last year, and organic ingredients and fresh produce has become much more affordable for most families now. All it takes to make a difference is to buy just ONE more item of organic, and not just fresh produce, but staples such as flour, butter and sugar; and that is what I have done instinctively over the last year or so, adding an extra organic item to my shopping basket, so now the majority of my shopping is organic, or home-grown.
And, it hasn’t been hard! More and more of us are making the change as we realise that a weekly family shop can include organic at a reasonable cost, as well as helping our environment. So, why is organic good and better for all of us? Organic UK has shared some simple reasons, and to quote a much used saying, they certainly tick all the boxes for me…….
“Better for nature – Organic farming works with the environment as it uses fewer pesticides. It’s a way of farming that protects and encourages wildlife whilst looking after the health of the soil. Instead of relying on chemicals, organic farmers work with nature to feed the soil and control pests. They use crop rotation and clover to build fertility in the soil. Organic farming uses mainly natural methods, developing a good soil and healthy crops which have stronger natural resistance to pests and diseases, and encourage natural predators to avoid the need for almost all pesticides. Organic farming releases less greenhouse gases and can significantly reduce your carbon footprint”
“High animal welfare – Organic means free-range. Organic standards insist that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air to thrive and grow more naturally, guaranteeing a truly free-range life. Free-range systems encourage healthy animals and this means fewer drugs or antibiotics. That’s better for the animals and good for your peace of mind!”
“More natural food – When it comes to organic, you know exactly what’s in your food. GM crops and ingredients are banned in organic farming as are hydrogenated fats, artificial pesticides and it does not allow aspartame, tartrazine and monosodium glutamate to be used. Put simply organic food is a more natural choice.”
“Great tasting food – Organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil to grow a mixture of crops that are bursting with flavour. So you can rest assured it tastes great too!”
But to get back to my September menu, which I am very proud of! I have created a lovely autumnal menu that includes tasty organic pork, apples, butternut squash, leeks, cabbage and a breakfast staple – oats. The meals are easy to make and provide healthy, hearty fare for all the family as well as copious amounts of leftovers for more meals and snacks. There is a tea time treat included, an Apple Galette (tart) as well as an easy to make “quick bread” and a comforting soup. And, I think you will be surprised to learn just how thrifty it is! I have taken the most iconic of September’s produce and devised clever recipes that won’t break the bank and are kind to our countryside, bees, animals and ultimately, us.
As regular readers know, I try to keep the costs down as much as possible – the cost will never go over £15 per meal for a family of four. In the past, I managed to create meals for under £5 a meal, which just goes to prove that organic ingredients do not have to be expensive. So, here is my breakdown of costs for this month’s menu, and I think you will be surprised to see just how thrifty I have been for #OrganicSeptember.
September Shopping List:
(List of ingredients per recipe)
900g diced Pork = £12:00
Shallots = £1:00
Apples = 0:90
Crème fraîche = 0:77
Apple juice = 0:33
Garlic = 0:10
Leeks = £1:00
Cabbage = 0:50
Crème fraîche = 0:15
Vegetable stock cube = 0:25
Butternut squash = £1:00
Onions = 0:20
Vegetable stock cube = 0:25
Crème fraîche = 0:15
Assorted spices = 0:20
White flour = 0:30
Wholemeal flour = 0:35
Milk = 0:25
Yoghurt = 0:65
Butter = 0:25
Porridge oats = 0:32
Apples = 0:90
Pastry = £1.75
Sugar = 0:10
Total: £23:67
Individual meal breakdown costs:
Somerset pork with apples = £15:10
Price per head (serves 8) = £1:88
Creamed Leek and Cabbage Braise = £1:90
Price per head (serves 4) = 0:47
Spiced Roast Butternut Squash Soup = £1:80
Price per head (serves 6) = 0:30
Irish Soda Bread with Oats = £2:12
Price per head (serves 8) = 0:26
Rustic Apple Galette = £2:75
Price per head (serves 8) = 0:34
(I shopped at Waitrose, Morrisons & Sainsbury’s using the So Organic Range and the local Farm Shop. Prices correct at time of publishing)
More recipe and leftover ideas:
Pork Pasta Bake
Pork and Apple Pies
Pork Pasties
Pork Stew with Vegetables
Pork and Apples with Rice
Butternut Squash Vegetable Curry
Leek and Cabbage Soup
Leek and Cabbage Gratin with Soda Bread Crumble Topping
Soda Bread Toast with Boiled Eggs
Soda Bread Welsh Rarebit
Soda Bread and Butter Pudding
Cheese and Soda Bread
I hope you will enjoy the recipes from my Thrifty and Organic September menu as much as we did; if you cannot find the organic ready-made pastry I used, by Dorset Pastry, the you can make your won home-made organic pastry of course, the measurement are given in the recipe. Just before I go, I have some VERY exciting news! TO celebrate Organic September, Organic UK are offering ALL Lavender and Lovage readers a chance to WIN a HAMPER full of organic goodies worth £100! So, DO pop back later to enter…….it will be listed under my Giveaway page and it is an absolutely fabulous prize! The recipes are all shared below, as well as an archive to all my previous Thrifty and Organic Meal Planner posts. To promote #OrganicSeptember I will also be sharing THREE more Monday posts, as well as a Twitter party, so watch out for those too! See you later and don’t forget to pop back to enter the giveaway! Karen
RECIPES:
Spiced Roast Butternut Squash Soup
Serves | 4 to 6 |
Prep time | 15 minutes |
Cook time | 40 minutes |
Total time | 55 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish, Snack, Soup, Starter |
Misc | Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Hot |
Occasion | Casual Party, Christmas, Easter, Formal Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentines day |
Region | British |
By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, about 1 to 1.2 kg
- a little rapeseed oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- salt and pepper
- 2 large onions, peeled and diced
- 600mls vegetable stock (home-made is best)
- 4 to 5 tablespoons creme fraiche
Note
A gently spiced and warming soup that is perfect for casual lunches, family suppers or even as a hearty lunch box meal in a flask. The pre-roasting of the butternut squash with the spices adds a subtle aromatic flavour to the soup, and by roasting the squash with the peel, it saves the dangerous task of peeling it beforehand.
Directions
Step 1 | Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6. Carefully top and tail the butternut squash and cut it into wedges or large chunks, no need to peel it. |
Step 2 | Put a little oil into a large roasting tray and add the spices and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and then add the butternut squash pieces, move them around in the spiced oil to cover them and then roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until charred and soft. Allow them to cool slightly before scraping the flesh away from the skin. |
Step 3 | Whilst the butternut squash is roasting, add a little oil to a large sauce pan and gently cook the onions until they ate soft and translucent. Add the cooled butternut squash flesh and the vegetable stock and cook for 5 or 6 minutes together, before blending the soup with a hand blender or in a food processor. |
Step 4 | Pour the soup back into the sauce pan if necessary and add the crème fraiche, mix and gently re-heat without boiling. |
Step 5 | Adjust the seasoning and serve piping hot with bread. |
Step 6 | NB: If the soup is too thick after blending, add some more vegetable stock. |
Irish Soda Bread with Oats
Serves | 8 |
Prep time | 15 minutes |
Cook time | 40 minutes |
Total time | 55 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Bread, Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Starter |
Misc | Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold, Serve Hot |
Occasion | Casual Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentines day |
Region | Irish |
By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 250g white SR flour
- 200g plain wholemeal flour
- 150g porridge oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (or traditionally bicarbonate of soda if you wish)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 40g salted butter, cut into small pieces
- 250mls skimmed milk (or buttermilk)
- 250mls natural yoghurt (mixed with the milk or buttermilk)
- extra flour for dusting
Note
A fabulous Irish style Soda Bread made with yoghurt and porridge oats; this quick bread is perfect as an accompaniment to soups and stews, as well as making a great breakfast bread and delicious sandwiches. Best eaten on the same day.
Directions
Step 1 | Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F.Gas Mark 6 and dust a large baking tray with some flour. |
Step 2 | Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and then rub in the butter. |
Step 3 | Pour the milk and yoghurt mixture into the flour and butter mixture and mix well with a knife, before bringing the dough together with your hands, it should not be too sticky. |
Step 4 | Shape the dough into a large round, about 23cms to 9" in diameter and place the loaf onto the prepared baking tray. |
Step 5 | Cut a deep cross in the top of the loaf and dust a little more flour over the top of the loaf. |
Step 6 | Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is crusty and it sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Allow to cool on a wire rack and cover with a tea towel for 5 minutes, before serving warm with butter. |
Step 7 | NB: I have used self raising flour and baking powder in this recipe, rather than the more traditional plain flour and bicarbonate of soda; this is because I am not a lover of the chemical taste that bicarbonate of soda gives to this style of quick bread, and it makes my teeth go on edge! Please do use plain white flour and bicarbonate of soda for a more traditional Soda Bread. |
Somerset Pork with Apples
Serves | 8 |
Prep time | 15 minutes |
Cook time | 10 hours |
Total time | 10 hours, 15 minutes |
Meal type | Lunch, Main Dish |
Misc | Child Friendly, Serve Hot |
Occasion | Casual Party, Christmas, Formal Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving |
Region | British |
By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 900g pork loin or leg meat, diced
- a little plain flour for dusting
- salt and pepper
- 8 shallots, peeled and cut in half if very large
- 4 large apples, peeled and cut into quarters (Bramleys are great, but become pulp when cooked for a long time, so use a tart eating apple)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons cider apple vinegar
- 150mls cider or apple juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 to 6 sage leaves, finely chopped
- 250mls creme fraiche
- extra chopped sage leave to garnish (or winter savory leaves)
Note
A delectable pork casserole with shallots, cider and apples, which is cooked in a slow cooker for tender meat and an easy mid-week family supper or Sunday lunch. Alternative cooking times are given for those who don't have a slow cooker.
Directions
Step 1 | Place some flour into a large freezer bag and add salt and pepper to taste. Shake to mix and then add the pieces of pork meat to coat. |
Step 2 | Place the pork meat into the slow cooker (crock pot) and then add the shallots, apples and garlic. Mix well and then pour over the cider apple vinegar and cider or apple juice. |
Step 3 | Finally add the chopped sage leaves and the Dijon mustard, giving it all a gently stir and cook on high for 6 hours, low for 8 to 10 hours or on automatic for up to 8 hours. |
Step 4 | Two hours before the end of cooking, add the crème fraîche and stir well; if the casserole is too liquid, add a tablespoon of cornflour mixed with a little crème fraîche to the casserole. Check and adjust the seasoning at this point too. |
Step 5 | Serve as soon as the dish is cooked, with seasonal vegetables, pasta, rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish each portion with chopped sage or winter savory leaves. |
Step 6 | If you don't have a slow cooker, cook in a slow oven for 4 hours, at 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2 in a covered casserole dish. |
Creamed Leek and Cabbage Braise
Serves | 4 |
Prep time | 10 minutes |
Cook time | 5 minutes |
Total time | 15 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish |
Misc | Child Friendly, Serve Hot |
Occasion | Casual Party, Christmas, Easter, Formal Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentines day |
By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 2 slender leeks, trimmed, cleaned and cut into small pieces
- 4 to 6 large Savoy cabbage leaves, woody white centre trimmed and cut into small shreds
- 150mls vegetable stock (home-made is best)
- salt and lots of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons creme fraiche
Optional
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
Note
A wonderful way to combine two seasonal vegetables together to make a tasty vegetable accompaniment for any roast dinner or mid-week supper.
Directions
Step 1 | Place the prepared leeks and cabbage into a large saucepan and add the vegetable stock, bring to the boil and then cover and simmer gently over a low heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are bright green and JUST soft, but not mushy. |
Step 2 | Drain (keeping the liquid for soups, gravy or stews) and then add the crème fraîche whilst the vegetables are still piping hot. Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper, before adding the caraway seeds if using. |
Step 3 | Serve immediately; is perfect with pork, chicken and ham. |
Rustic Apple Galette
Serves | 8 slices |
Prep time | 15 minutes |
Cook time | 25 minutes |
Total time | 40 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Dessert, Snack |
Misc | Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold, Serve Hot |
Occasion | Barbecue, Birthday Party, Casual Party, Christmas, Formal Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving |
Region | French |
By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 185g ready-made ready rolled organic pastry (I used Dorset Pastry, Shortcrust)
- 3 to 4 crisp eating apples
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam, sieved and heated up with a little water
- Demerara sugar, to sprinkle
Note
A delightfully rustic open-faced tart/pie that is quick and easy to make with ready-made and ready-rolled pastry; use crisp eating apples as they will retain their shape, as Bramley or cooking apples will not. Perfect as an autumn dessert or for the school or office lunch box.
Directions
Step 1 | Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6 and line and/or grease a large baking sheet or pizza tray. |
Step 2 | Lay the ready-rolled pastry on the lined baking sheet. |
Step 3 | Cut the apples into quarters, and then core them - no need to peel them. Cut them into thin slices and then arrange them in a concentric circle about 2.5cms (1") inside the edge of the pastry. Sprinkle over a little ground cinnamon. |
Step 4 | Bring the edges of the pastry up and in and pleat the pastry like a big crust all the way around the apples, see photo, so you have a large, round open faced pie. |
Step 5 | Sprinkle the caster sugar over the top and bake in the pre-heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is brown and crisp and the apples are soft and yet still retain their shape. Brush the warmed apricot jam over the apples to glaze them, whilst the galette is still warm. |
Step 6 | Sprinkle the Demerara sugar over the top and allow to cool slightly before serving cut in to wedges, with cream, ice cream or crème fraiche. |
Step 7 | NB: If you cannot source any ready-made and ready rolled organic pastry, use organic flour and butter to make your own pastry, 6ozs (175g) will be sufficient. |
Disclaimer:
Organic UK is paying me an agreed fee to create and develop these Thrifty and Organic Recipes, as well as providing me with all the ingredients. However, as I am a big supporter of organic produce, I am happy to share these sponsored organic recipes and posts on my blog, for the benefit of my readers.
Archive of Thrifty and Organic Posts:
Thrifty & Organic Meal Planner for August: Hamburgers, Peaches and Mediterranean Vegetable Recipes
Dominic says
a lovely selection of gorgeous organic dishes… the apple galette is a particular favourite… you’re such a hard worker Karen and all these recipes are amazing. Well done x
Karen says
Thanks so much Dom! I made these recipes twice, and had to eat them twice, however, it was no great hardship! Karen
Janie says
Karen, they all look scrumptious! I especially like the sound of the oaty soda bread, I don’t ever remember using oats in it before.
Janie x
Karen says
Thanks Janie! I love to add oats to bakes, bread and cakes as well as crumbles etc as they add bulk but in a healthy way!
Tina @ The Spicy Pear says
I am a big supporter of organic and fair trade food, but like you said earlier, I too sometimes get swayed by prices. It’s good to know that this range is becoming more affordable. Loving the selection of recipes, especially your soda bread and apple gallette. Awesome pictures too.
Karen says
Thanks so much Tina! I was really pleased with this menu for September and it just goes to prove that you can have organic as part of the weekly shop too!
Anne says
This is the kind of menu I look for this time of year. Comfort, cozy fall food. Looks delicious, you just made my dinner party plans easy for a gathering I’m planning. Thank you!
Karen says
Thanks Anne! I love this type of food too and as you say, it’s perfect for the upcoming autumn days!
Ash-foodfashionparty says
Wow, that is a gorgeous array of food. Love the soda bread and a lot more on this page.
Karen says
Thanks so much Ash!
Tracy Nixon says
G+’d Oooh that soup would be lovely for the Autumn!
Karen says
I think you and the children would love this soup Tracy!
Ashleigh Allan says
Yum it all looks amazing!
Karen says
Thanks!
Irene Wright says
I now know what to have for dinner tomorrow night – pork & apples – it looks delicious and easy to make. I love cooking but get a bit stumped with the problem of what to have for a change. Now I know. Thanks
Karen says
Thanks Irene, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did when I cooked it! Karen
laurasmess says
These meal planners are amazing Karen. I am always so, so impressed with the quality of the food you produce for a good price! The only disappointment is that our seasons are opposite to you here in Australia. Argh, when you’re moving on to comfort food, our salad days are on the way! I need to backtrack a few months to your Spring post and work my way from there! Thanks for taking so much time to produce quality posts so frequently. You’re pretty amazing 🙂 x
Karen says
Thanks so much Laura, it’s such a shame that we are in opposite seasons, but hopefully my seasonal recipe index for spring, summer, autumn and winter will help you find the recipes and plans you like, according to the seasons down under! I have loved doing this organic and thrifty meal planner project and it just proves that organic food doesn’t have to be boring or expensive too! Karen
Tracy Nixon says
I think I will make the soup and the soda bread with oats! They both look delicious! G+’d
Karen says
You will love them I am sure Tracy!
Janet Dring says
The Spiced Roast Butternut Squash Soup sounds lovely
Karen says
Thanks Janet!
Sara Hughes says
It’s going to be a bumper year for apples, so all variations, especially something savoury like the somerset pork and apple tart will be needed to take advantage of it!
Karen says
This is such a comforting stew Sara and pork makes such a great partner for apples!
Laura Donovan says
Wow, the apple galette looks delicious! The apples on my tree are just starting to ripen, so I’ve printed this one off! 🙂
Karen says
Enjoy Laura! It’s an easy recipe with GREAT results!
Gail Price says
I love making bread, so would love to give the soda bread a try but I haven’t attempted it before so a bit nervous!
Thanks for all these fantastic recipes!
Karen says
SO pleased you like the recipes Gail! This bread is easy peasy to bake!
Maya Russell says
A lovely, rustic apple pie. Looks so nice.
Karen says
Thanks Maya!
Lynn Savage says
Great menu – i’ve got 3 big old apple trees with loads of apples on them this year (last year not so good) so I’ll be able to make use of quite a few recipes here. That gallette looks great and easy to make I think I would add a few walnurs and raisins to it. The Somerset Pork and Apples with Creamed Leek and Cabbage Braise looks like a definate winner to me.
Karen says
Thanks Lynn! The apple galette would be wonderful with walnuts and raisins or sultanas added, and it’s so easy to make too! I was VERY pleased with the pork recipe and the leek and cabbage braise was amazingly tasty and went so well with the pork.
Louise Hutchings says
The apple tart look so deliciously scrummy. I love organic but wish it was a little cheaper xx
Karen says
Thanks Louise! I think I have proved that organic is not that expensive with these thrifty meal plans! Karen
Janice says
Delightful apple tart and so many recipes!
Karen says
Thanks Janice, an autumn feast!
Polly davis says
I’m going to give the whole menu a try with my family this week. Thanks for the careful price breakdown too.
Karen says
Thanks so much Polly! I do hope you all enjoy the full menu – do let me know! Karen
julie baxter says
all looks lovely 🙂
Karen says
Thanks Julie!
WandaFish says
It all looks delicious! I think the Somerset Pork and apple will be on this week’s menu – it sounds very comforting and we have some windfalls to use too. I’m hoping we have enough to make the apple galette as well 🙂
Karen says
Here’s hoping you have enough windfalls for the galette too! Enjoy the pork, it is a lovely “well behaved” dish to make!
christy beckett says
Wow I will have to give these ago. Perfect with Autumn on the way
Karen says
Thanks Christy!
Mama Syder says
Lovely selection, they look so mouth watering.
Tracy Nixon says
I made the soup yesterday and we are having it today! It has thickened up nicely! Thanks!
Karen says
That is GREAT Tracy! 🙂
theresa bond says
I love the apple recipe at the top! I am also amazed at the amount of info and effort you put into your posts! I am so glad I have found your website, its saving me money already!
Karen says
Aw thanks so much Theresa! That’s brilliant and makes it all worth while too! Karen
Polly davis says
The meal was a hit especially the apple tart … But then puddings are always the highlight for children aren’t they!
Karen says
Brilliant! SO pleased to hear this Polly! Thanks for letting me know! Karen
Tracy Nixon says
Just bought some pork so looking for ideas – love this one so here goes….Thanks!
Tracy Nixon says
This recipe sounds lovely! Another one to print off and attempt to follow! Thanks 🙂
Stephanie Whitehouse says
The gallette looks lovely – our tree is in overdrive, so I’ll be trying it. I do love your recipes.
Maya Russell says
Going to try the apple galette today using cooking apples. I don’t have apricot jam but will chop up some dried apricots to sprinkle over.
Herbert Appleby says
with I could bake as well as you do it all looks scrummy.
Samantha R says
the apple tart looks amazing!
ursula hunt says
Great meal planner
Maya Russell says
Pork and apple casserole served with green cabbage is a meal that I’d like to do. Sounds so delicious.
Melanie Fairypants Kelly says
What a brilliant blog post this is an amazing topic to be re-visited after xmas not only thrifty but healthy and tasty to
ursula hunt says
Gorgeous Apple pie
dragonfly63 says
There is always something to tempt me on here. The recipes work and the photography is superb, many thanks.
Dana Kelderman says
Made the galette tonight and it turned out delicious! Had to make my own pastry dough from scratch – wasn’t too hard though (found this Betty Crocker recipe http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pastry-for-pies-and-tarts/e74dfc22-dd54-4564-b653-0f142faf91a2). Thanks for sharing!
Karen Burns-Booth says
So pleased you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for letting me know Dana! Karen