Autumn delights in Catalonia: cava and exceptional culinary delights
Autumn in Catalonia is a feast for the senses. Golden light bathes the gentle hills of the Penedès in a warm glow and, after the harvest, a calm, almost magical silence sets in.
The leaves of the vines turn warm shades of red, yellow and orange, and the cava season begins in the small villages.
Cava: a brilliant autumn companion
Cava is produced in Catalonia using traditional methods and ranges from light, citrusy varieties to fuller-bodied variants with notes of apple and toast. In the colder months, a glass of cava is a wonderful accompaniment to autumn dishes featuring mushrooms, pumpkin and chestnuts.
Autumnal flavours on your plate
Autumnal Catalan cuisine seduces with its earthy, nutty and subtly sweet notes. The right dish brings this world of taste straight to the table.
Recipe: Sautéed pumpkin and mushrooms with chestnuts and rosemary
Ingredients (serves 2) :
- 300 g pumpkin, diced
- 200 g mixed mushrooms (e.g. button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms), sliced
- 100 g pre-cooked chestnuts
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- A dash of lemon juice
Preparation:
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and sauté the squash over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and chestnuts and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the rosemary, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with lemon juice just before serving.
- Serve warm with a chilled glass of cava.
Conclusion
Catalan autumn invites you to discover the region’s nature, tranquility and culinary delights. A glass of cava and an autumnal dish make every meal a special moment. Here’s to a feast for the senses.
