Lecce Hands-on Home Cooking Class: Craft Orecchiette & Savor Wine

Lecce, a city in Southern Italy, offers a unique hands-on cooking experience that immerses you in the authentic flavors of the region. Join Lisa and Fabio as they guide you through the art of crafting traditional orecchiette and maccheroni pasta from scratch. Discover the secrets behind local sauces made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and savor the results over a delightful three-course meal complemented by regional wines. What awaits is an unforgettable culinary journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Hands-on pasta-making class in Lecce where participants learn to craft traditional orecchiette and maccheroni pasta.
• Preparation of authentic Salento sauces using local ingredients, including tomato and chickpea-based options.
• Three-course dining experience featuring the homemade pasta accompanied by a selection of local wines.
• Immersive hospitality with a refreshing aperitif, introduction to local cuisine and culture, and takeaway recipes.
• Small group size ensuring personalized attention from the local hosts, Lisa and Fabio.

Experience the Authentic Flavors of Lecce

If you’re seeking an authentic culinary adventure in Lecce, the Cooking Class in Lecce is the perfect experience.

Led by local hosts Lisa and Fabio, you’ll learn to craft traditional orecchiette and maccheroni pasta, prepare fresh sauces with regional ingredients, and savor a delicious three-course meal.

The small group size ensures personalized attention as you learn about the flavors and traditions of Salento.

Participants rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to feel like family by the end of the evening.

It’s a truly memorable way to experience the authentic tastes of Lecce.

Crafting Orecchiette and Maccheroni by Hand

Participants in the Cooking Class in Lecce learn to craft two iconic pasta shapes of the Salento region: orecchiette and maccheroni al ferretto.

Under the guidance of the experienced hosts, Lisa and Fabio, they knead the dough and shape the pasta using traditional tools. The class teaches the intricate techniques for forming the little ear-shaped orecchiette and the delicate maccheroni al ferretto.

Guests delight in the hands-on experience and the satisfaction of creating these authentic regional specialties. The fresh pasta is then simmered in flavorful sauces made with local ingredients, rounding out the immersive culinary journey.

Discover the Secrets of Traditional Sauces

After mastering the art of crafting orecchiette and maccheroni, the cooking class turns its focus to preparing the perfect accompaniment – traditional Salento sauces. Under the guidance of Lisa and Fabio, participants learn to craft fresh tomato and chickpea sauces using locally sourced ingredients. The steps are outlined in a handy table:

Step	Tomato Sauce	Chickpea Sauce
1	Sauté garlic and onion	Soak and boil chickpeas
2	Add fresh tomatoes	Blend chickpeas with olive oil
3	Simmer until thickened	Season with herbs and spices
4	Season with basil and salt	Finish with a drizzle of olive oil
5	Toss with freshly made pasta	Toss with freshly made pasta

The resulting sauces are flavorful complements to the handmade orecchiette and maccheroni.

Savor the Delights of a Three-Course Dinner

Once the hands-on pasta-making session is complete, participants can look forward to a three-course feast showcasing the fruits of their labor.

The meal begins with homemade bread, setting the stage for the fresh tomato and chickpea sauces created earlier.

The main course features the handcrafted orecchiette and maccheroni, complemented by a selection of local wines.

To cap off the evening, guests savor a delectable dessert, accompanied by a traditional Leccese coffee with almond milk.

This well-rounded dining experience allows participants to fully enjoy the flavors and traditions of Southern Italy.

Immerse Yourself in Leccese Hospitality

When participants arrive at the meeting point of Porta Napoli in Lecce, they’re greeted by the warm hospitality of Lisa and Fabio, the cooking class hosts.

Participants are welcomed with:

1. A refreshing aperitif to set the tone for the evening.
2. A brief introduction to the local Salento cuisine and culture.
3. A friendly invitation to feel at home in the cozy kitchen.

The authentic atmosphere and personal attention from the hosts create an immersive experience, where travelers quickly feel like part of the Leccese family.

Enjoy an Aperitif and Leccese Coffee

Upon arrival, participants are welcomed with a refreshing aperitif to set the tone for the evening. Sipping on the local aperitivo, they’ll get a taste of the Salento region’s flavors.

Next, the hosts brew a traditional Leccese coffee, infusing it with aromatic almond milk. This creamy concoction provides a delightful start to the hands-on cooking experience.

With beverages in hand, the group gathers around the cozy kitchen, eager to learn the techniques behind crafting orecchiette and maccheroni.

The welcoming atmosphere and authentic flavors foreshadow the delicious meal to come.

Bring Home the Memories With Recipes and Tools

As the hands-on cooking class comes to a close, participants leave with more than just a satisfying meal.

They depart with the invaluable knowledge and tools to recreate the authentic flavors of Lecce in their own kitchens. Tucked into their bags are:

1. Meticulously crafted recipes for the orecchiette, maccheroni, and traditional Salento sauces.
2. A ferretto, the traditional pasta-making tool used to shape the iconic orecchiette.
3. Fond memories of an evening spent learning, laughing, and bonding over a shared love of Italian cuisine.

This immersive culinary experience allows participants to savor the essence of Lecce long after their visit.

Practical Information and Booking Details

To book the Cooking Class in Lecce, a minimum of two people is required per reservation.

Dietary needs should be communicated in advance. The class isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and near public transportation.

Cancellations can be made for free up to 24 hours before the start. The experience costs $103.91 per person and can be reserved with the option to pay later.

This evening class in the historic city of Lecce teaches the art of crafting orecchiette and maccheroni, preparing fresh sauces, and enjoying a delicious three-course meal with local wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Participate in the Class Solo or Do I Need to Come With a Group?

You can participate in the cooking class solo. The class has a maximum of 7 participants, so you don’t need to come with a group. The small group size ensures personalized attention from the hosts.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Large Groups?

The cooking class can be booked solo, but there are no discounts available for students, seniors, or large groups. However, the experience offers great value, with a maximum of 7 participants for personalized attention.

Is It Possible to Take the Class in the Morning or Afternoon Instead of the Evening?

The class is currently only offered in the evening. However, the hosts may be able to accommodate morning or afternoon sessions upon request, depending on availability and the group’s preferences. It’s best to inquire directly with the hosts about alternative timing options.

Can I Choose Which Traditional Dishes I Want to Learn to Make During the Class?

No, you can’t choose the specific dishes you want to learn during the class. The class has a preset menu focused on traditional Salento specialties like orecchiette and maccheroni. The instructor leads the group through preparing these dishes.

Do the Hosts Provide Transportation to and From the Meeting Point for the Class?

No, the hosts do not provide transportation to and from the meeting point. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the designated meeting location at Porta Napoli in Lecce for the start of the cooking class.

The Sum Up

An authentic Leccese cooking experience awaits you. Learn traditional pasta-making techniques, craft fresh sauces, and savor a delightful three-course meal complemented by local wines. Take home the flavors of Southern Italy with recipes and a pasta-making tool. Enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of this hands-on cooking class in Lecce.