Bilbao: Traditional Basque Cooking Class With Wine Tasting

Bilbao, located in the heart of the Basque Country, is a culinary haven. Here, visitors can enjoy the rich traditions of Basque cuisine through a hands-on cooking class. Led by a bilingual Basque chef, this 3.5-hour experience promises an exploration of authentic dishes, local wines, and the cultural significance behind each flavorful bite. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this class offers a unique opportunity to uncover the essence of Basque gastronomy.

Key Points

• Participants prepare 4-5 authentic Basque dishes, including Gilda and marmitako stew, in a hands-on cooking class led by a bilingual Basque chef.
• The class offers a tasting of local wines like Txakoli and Rioja, along with a complementary charcuterie board featuring regional cheeses.
• The 3.5-hour class provides an enriching learning experience, focusing on culinary techniques, dish history, and ingredient knowledge.
• Recipes are provided for home recreation, allowing participants to continue exploring Basque culinary traditions.
• The class takes place in a private dining room setting, offering an intimate tasting and cooking experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The traditional Basque cooking class in Bilbao is a 3.5-hour hands-on activity that costs $157.77 per person.

It includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Participants will prepare 4-5 Basque dishes, such as Gilda, marmitako stew, and Basque toast for dessert.

The class also features a charcuterie board with local cheeses and wines like Txakoli and Rioja.

The experience is led by a bilingual Basque chef, who focuses on culinary techniques, history, and cooking tricks.

Recipes are provided for recreating the dishes at home.

Class Details

A 100% hands-on cooking experience awaits participants in this traditional Basque cooking class.

Prepare 4-5 plates, including 2-3 starters, 1 main, and a dessert. The menu may feature Gilda, Marmitako stew, chorizo in cider, T-bone steak, sweet red peppers, green salad, and Basque toast for dessert.

Enjoy a complementary charcuterie board with cheeses during the class. Local wines, such as Txakoli and Rioja, are available to sample as well.

The bilingual Basque chef will provide recipes and share culinary techniques, dish history, and ingredient knowledge, ensuring an enriching learning experience.

Learning Experience

Bilingual Basque chef leads this enriching learning experience, focusing on culinary techniques, dish history, ingredient knowledge, and handy cooking tricks.

Participants dive into preparing 4-5 authentic Basque plates, from starters to a main course and dessert. Recipes are provided, allowing guests to recreate the dishes at home.

The private dining room setting offers an intimate tasting of the creations, complemented by local Txakoli and Rioja wines.

This immersive class equips attendees with a newfound appreciation for Basque cuisine and the skills to continue their culinary journey.

Local Ingredients and Dishes

As participants don the aprons and gather around the cooking stations, they’ll dive into preparing a delectable array of traditional Basque dishes that highlight the region’s bountiful local ingredients.

Participants don aprons and gather around cooking stations to prepare a delectable array of traditional Basque dishes.

The menu features:

1. Gilda – a classic pintxo (Basque tapas) made with green olives, pickled peppers, and anchovies.

2. Marmitako stew – a hearty seafood and potato dish bursting with the flavors of the Cantabrian Sea.

3. Chorizo in cider – the iconic pairing of spicy sausage and crisp regional cider.

4. Sweet red peppers and green salad – showcasing the freshness of local produce.

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Basque Culinary Traditions

While the cooking class focuses on traditional Basque dishes, it also delves into the rich culinary traditions that define the region’s unique gastronomic identity.

Basque cuisine draws heavily from the local land and sea, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Techniques like slow-cooking, grilling over wood fires, and preserving foods have been passed down through generations.

The class explores the cultural significance of dishes like marmitako stew and pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Students learn how these specialties reflect the Basque people’s strong connection to their heritage and traditions.

Behind the Scenes With the Chef

The Basque chef leading the cooking class brings a wealth of culinary expertise and cultural knowledge to the experience.

Their approach is hands-on and interactive, guiding participants through:

A hands-on, interactive experience guiding participants through traditional cooking techniques and Basque culinary traditions.

1. Demonstrating traditional cooking techniques, from pinch-frying to slow-simmering.

2. Sharing the history and significance of Basque dishes, connecting ingredients and methods to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

3. Offering insights into Basque culinary traditions, imparting an appreciation for the culture’s deep connection to the land and sea.

4. Tailoring the class to participants’ interests, ensuring a personalized and enriching learning journey.

Pairing Wines With Basque Cuisine

Pairing the right wines with Basque cuisine is an integral part of the cooking class experience.

During the class, participants sample regional wines like Txakoli and Rioja that complement the flavors of the dishes they prepare. The chef shares their expertise on how the crisp, tart Txakoli pairs perfectly with salty, briny bites like the Gilda pintxo.

The full-bodied Rioja then complements the richness of the hearty Marmitako stew and grilled T-bone steak.

Recreating the Experience at Home

Recreating the Basque cooking class experience at home starts with the recipes provided to participants.

These recipes allow home cooks to:

1. Master the culinary techniques demonstrated during the class.

2. Acquire the ingredient knowledge to select authentic Basque produce.

3. Understand the history and cultural significance of the traditional dishes.

4. Recreate the convivial atmosphere of the private dining room by hosting a Basque-inspired dinner party.

With the class recipes and newfound cooking skills, home cooks can enjoy the flavors of Bilbao’s Basque cuisine long after the cooking class ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols During the Class?

The class follows strict COVID-19 safety protocols. Participants must wear masks, maintain social distancing, and use sanitized equipment. The instructor and staff are fully vaccinated and regularly tested. Additional cleaning and disinfection measures are in place throughout the experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated. The cooking class provides a personalized experience, and the chef works closely with participants to ensure their needs are met and they can fully enjoy the culinary experience.

Is Transportation to the Class Location Provided?

Transportation to the class location is not provided. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting point, which is the Gourmet shop of Gastronomía Bilbao.

How Many Participants Are Typically in a Cooking Class?

The typical cooking class has a small group size, usually between 6-12 participants. This allows for a more personalized and hands-on experience with the instructor, ensuring each person gets attention and can actively participate in the cooking activities.

Can the Class Be Arranged for a Private Group?

The cooking class can be arranged for a private group. The experience is tailored for the group, with participants preparing 4-5 Basque dishes in a private dining room.

The Sum Up

The Basque cooking class in Bilbao offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culinary traditions of the region. From preparing iconic dishes like Gilda and marmitako to learning about the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, participants gain a deeper appreciation for Basque cuisine and its cultural significance. The hands-on experience, guided by a bilingual chef, and the chance to sample local wines make this class a must-do for any foodie visiting Bilbao.

You can check availability for your dates here: