In woodsy New England, where I grew up, the most festive way we celebrated fall was with huge bonfires mediated by volunteer firefighters, the whole town cozying up around the flames with apples and cider doughnuts. The bonfire is a harder feat to accomplish if you live in a city, but it doesn’t mean you can’t crowd around something fiery with a few pals (or, you know, your town—or at least your neighbors). Reimagine the bonfire with these 15 spicy, spicy recipes. Don’t forget to keep some beers nearby in case you need to put out the flames.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple and Red Pepper Flakes
This dish by Kendra Vaculin is perfect for fall, is easy, spicy, and yet sweet. Try the Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple and Red Pepper Flakes recipe. (Photo: Bobbi Lin)
Spicy Korean-Style Gochujang Meatballs
These meatballs by foxeslovelemons are a great co*cktail party appetizer that have a kick to keep things interesting. Try the Spicy Korean-Style Gochujang Meatballs recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
This rice dish by Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) is a perfect gateway if you’re not sure about kimchi. Once sautéed, kimchi loses some of its pungent harshness, but answers back with an addictive, tangy-spicy warmth that deepens with a little time spent sizzling. Try the Kimchi Fried Rice recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
This dish by Madhuja will not disappoint. The spiciness builds with each bite, but is mellowed out by the cashew cream. Try the Chicken Vindaloo Vesuvius recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
Spicy Chickpea and Sour Tomato Curry with Noodles
This curry by thirschfeld is so hearty, it’s almost a stew. Make a big batch of it and enjoy it all week long. Try the Spicy Chickpea and Sour Tomato Curry with Noodles recipe. (Photo: Tom Hirschfeld)
This dish by Kendra Vaculin calls for spicy bean paste, which won’t be at your regular store. Check out your local Asian market to pick some up (and get some matcha Kit Kats while you’re there). Try the Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu recipe. (Photo: Mark Weinberg)
Barbara Lynch’s Spicy Tomato Soup
This recipe by Genius Recipes can be made on a whim and eat nearly as soon. It calls for five vegan ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Try Barbara Lynch’s Spicy Tomato Soup recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
Lablabi (Middle Eastern Spicy Chickpea Stew)
In this dish by creamtea, the humble chickpea tastes bright and light thanks to plenty of garlic and lemon juice. Try the Lablabi recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
In this dish by amber wilson from for the love of the south, cutting the okra in half lengthwise and roasting it eradicates the “slimy” texture that most people associate with okra. Also, try buying okra no longer than the length of your pinky. The smaller ones are delicate and tend to be more flavorful. Try the Spicy Oven-Roasted Okra recipe. (Photo: Mark Weinberg)
Ethiopian-Inspired Spicy Chicken Stew
This dish by Abbie C — with its range of thrumming spices and its hard-boiled eggs — is a breath of fresh air for your weeknight meals. Try the Ethiopian-Inspired Spicy Chicken Stew recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
Bhartha (Spicy Indian Eggplant)
This dish by Kendra Vaculin is a vegetarian Indian dish best served over a bowl of jasmine rice. Peas give is a nice pop of color and texture. Make a huge batch — you’ll be going back for thirds. Try the Bhartha (Spicy Indian Eggplant) recipe. (Photo: Mark Weinberg)
Masaledar Sem (Spicy Green Beans)
This dish by Alexandra Stafford is perfect if you’ve ever wanted to try making Indian food at home. It’s relatively simple to throw together, and you won’t have to vastly expand your spice collection to get it on the table. Try the Masaledar Sem recipe. (Photo: Alexandra Stafford)
Sweet and Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix
This recipe by drbabs is a perfect hors d’oeuvre or snack to bring to a party. The chocolate gives it some depth, and the ginger and cayenne add sweet heat. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make a ton of it. Which is important because you won’t be able to stop eating it. Try the Sweet and Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix recipe. (Photo: Mark Weinberg)
MrsWheelbarrow, who created this recipe, says the secret to great merguez is in the harissa and to only use the very freshest ground lamb. Try the Lamb Merguez recipe. (Photo: Cathy Barrow)
If you love Thai food, this recipe by Merav won’t disappoint: seared steak gets bathed in a fragrant dressing of fresh lime juice, robust fish sauce, fiery chilies, and garlic. It is then tossed together with crunchy sliced onions, chives, and cilantro. Try the Spicy Thai Steak Salad recipe. (Photo: James Ransom)
By Caroline Lange.
