Making my own pasta has never been particularly high on my list of priorities with such a huge versatile range readily and cheaply available to buy. My visit to Rome earlier this summer and cookery class with the lovely young and skilled chef Caterina Olivieri has led me to reconsider.
A roomy apartment located north west of Vatican City was the venue for our Ravioli and Meatballs class through
https://www.eatandwalkitaly.it Booked in England before on the basis of 5 star trip advisor ratings this was three hours of hands on learning, delicious food and wine and most of all fun.
Caterina who had a decade in her families restaurant trade has a real passion for passing on her skills she is ably assisted by Matteo also a chef but here acting as our interpreter. They are rightly proud of their relatively new (18 months) and growing venture.
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| Caterina and Martel |
The course runs daily either over lunchtime or in our case late afternoon concluding with an early dinner feasting on our offerings. Heather and I joined Shannon and Kelly visiting Italy from the USA. A simple and delicious meatball dish was our first experience. Slowly simmering in garlicky tomato sauce while we tackled the pasta.
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| Meatballs |
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| The finished dish |
The pasta making class was precise and easy to follow with Caterina leading us through the steps of weighing, mixing and kneading well for 10 minutes until she could tell by touch that the required consistency was achieved. Then rolling to paper thin, adding a ricotta and herb filling, cutting carefully and cooking rapidly for just a few minutes.
It was the simple sauce of butter, sage and a ladle of the pasta water that really enhanced the flavour of the dish
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| Ricotta ravioli with parmesan and sage |
This experience is really great value, for around £44 you get an authentic hands on Italian cookery class enhanced by the enthusiasm and hospitality of Caterina and Martel. A delicious meal of meatballs, ravioli, bread, salad and a dessert and a choice of local wine.
The class also gives a welcome break from the Rome sightseeing (which is wonderful) and of course the chance to meet new and interesting people.
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| Ann, Heather, Shannon and Kelly |
