Autumn has arrived, bringing with it the season’s colors and aromas. As the days grow shorter, what could be better than enjoying warm gatherings under the soft October sun, illuminating your outdoor space?
If, however (as is often the case depending on location), autumn brings rain and chilly days, there’s nothing better than spending cozy evenings at home with friends and family.
In both cases, we have the perfect seasonal recipe for you, whether you’re enjoying a day in the garden amid colorful leaves or a cozy night by the fireplace.
Moderno: The Ideal Companion for October Outdoor Gatherings
In Rome, the term “Ottobrate Romane” describes those warm October days that feel like a final breath of summer. Like much of what is rooted in the Eternal City, these days trace back to an ancient seasonal celebration the Romans marked with feasts.
In recent times, October is celebrated with gatherings in sync with the grape harvest, enjoying food, wine, and festivity.
During this season, the Alfa Moderno Oven, with its warm hues and versatility, becomes the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you’re baking delicious pizzas or experimenting with other recipes, the Alfa oven will be there to make it happen. The warmth of its flames will not only keep you warm but also lift the spirits of friends and family, creating the feel of an “ottobrata romana” wherever you are.
Urbe: Beating Bad Weather
When skies turn gray and the rain begins to fall, nothing beats a good home-cooked meal. With Urbe, you can bake piping hot pizzas and fragrant dishes, turning even the gloomiest days into moments of warmth and togetherness. Its interior lighting helps monitor cooking and creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for Halloween gatherings with family and friends.
With Urbe, autumn and Halloween become opportunities to explore your culinary creativity. Whether you’re serving guests an autumn-inspired pizza or tasty snacks, your electric oven will be there every step of the way. Embrace autumn’s warmth and be inspired by Halloween’s magic!
Recipes
Now, here are two recipes, starring the season’s hero: pumpkin!
All naturally prepared in an Alfa Oven.
Pumpkin Soup
With toasted bread, on pasta, in lasagna, or pizza, this warm, velvety pumpkin soup is the perfect autumn comfort.
Ingredients:
- Hokkaido pumpkin
- 2 garlic cloves
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Halve the pumpkin and remove the seeds.
- Season: Place the halves in a baking dish, seasoning with rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and olive oil, massaging the interior. Finally, add the peeled garlic cloves inside the pumpkin.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180–190°C. Use a laser thermometer to check the floor temperature, and cook for about an hour, occasionally testing the pumpkin’s tenderness.
- Finish the Soup: When the pumpkin is soft, remove it from the oven, scoop out the flesh, and transfer it to a bowl. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
This pumpkin soup, beyond being the primary topping for the pizza below, is perfect on bruschetta for an autumn appetizer or paired with cured meats for a sweet-salty contrast.
Autumn Pizza with Pumpkin Cream, Fried Porcini, Crispy Bacon, and Dried Chili
Our pizza chef Giuseppe delighted us with a pizza combining two autumn kitchen stars: pumpkin and porcini mushrooms. This recipe delivers a mix of flavors and textures for a burst of seasonal taste. Give it a try!
Ingredients for Dough (5-6 pizzas):
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 600 ml water
- 4 g dried yeast
- 20 g salt
- 20 ml olive oil
Ingredients for Topping (1 pizza):
- 70 g porcini mushrooms
- 50 g bacon
- 80 g fior di latte mozzarella
- Frying oil
- Chili threads or ground chili to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
- Make the Dough: Dissolve the yeast in water in a bowl. Add flour, salt, and finally the oil, mixing until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 12–16 hours until doubled. Divide into 200–225 g balls, resting for another 4 hours.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Cut mushrooms into medium pieces, coat in flour, and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook in a hot pan until golden and crispy, then break into smaller pieces.
- Stretch the Dough: After rising, stretch the dough on a floured surface into a 30 cm disk.
- Assemble the Pizza: Place the dough on a pizza peel, top with 3 spoonfuls of pumpkin cream, and shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake at 400°C for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Finish: Garnish with fried porcini, crispy bacon, chili threads, or a sprinkle of chili powder, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy this warm, autumn-inspired pizza!