Explore the heart of Bologna’s culinary traditions with us through an immersive pasta-making experience. In this hands-on cooking class, we’ll uncover the secrets to crafting authentic tagliatelle and ragu, guided by a local expert. As we knead the dough and stir the simmering sauce, we’ll savor the rich flavors and aromas that make this regional cuisine so renowned. But the experience doesn’t end there – we’ll top it off with a delightful three-course meal that showcases the true essence of Bolognese cuisine.
Key Points
- A 3-hour hands-on cooking class in a Bologna home, focusing on making tagliatelle, tortellini, and ravioli pasta dishes.
- Learn to craft silky tagliatelle pasta from scratch, including dough kneading, rolling, and cutting.
- Prepare a traditional tagliatelle ragu, sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and browning ground beef and pork.
- Enjoy a 3-course meal with the freshly made pasta, paired with a glass of local Sangiovese wine and a tiramisu dessert.
- Highly-rated experience with step-by-step instruction from Chef Irene in a warm, familial atmosphere.
Overview of the Cooking Class
This 3-hour cooking class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic Bolognese cuisine in a typical Bologna home.
For $64.03 per person, we’ll learn to make handmade pasta like tagliatelle, tortellini, and ravioli under the guidance of a friendly chef.
The class culminates in a 3-course meal, including wine, coffee, and dessert.
While the location can be tricky to find for first-time visitors, this highly-rated experience earns praise for its step-by-step instruction and delightful atmosphere.
Although the location may be challenging for newcomers, this highly-rated class offers detailed guidance and a delightful setting.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, making this class a convenient and authentic taste of Bologna.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bologna.
Preparing the Handmade Pasta
First, we’ll dive into the hands-on pasta-making process. Under Irene’s guidance, we’ll learn how to craft silky tagliatelle pasta from scratch.
We’ll knead the dough, roll it out, and cut it into long, thin ribbons. Irene will demonstrate the proper technique, then it’s our turn to try.
Working together, we’ll create each pasta shape, from the classic tagliatelle to plump tortellini and tender ravioli. As we shape the dough, we’ll learn the secrets to achieving the perfect texture and bite.
The fresh, homemade pasta will be the foundation for our delectable ragu sauce.
Making the Tagliatelle Ragu
After preparing the fresh handmade pasta, we’ll turn our attention to crafting the classic Tagliatelle Ragu.
We’ll sauté onions, carrots, and celery until fragrant, then add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned.
Next, we’ll pour in red wine, allowing it to reduce.
Next, the red wine is poured in and allowed to reduce, concentrating the flavors before the other ingredients are added.
Tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings will join the mix, simmering for an hour to develop the flavors.
The key is low and slow cooking to create a rich, velvety sauce.
We’ll toss the tagliatelle in the ragu, garnish with Parmesan, and enjoy this quintessential Bolognese dish.
Enjoying the 3-Course Meal
With the tagliatelle ragu now prepared, let’s turn our attention to enjoying the full 3-course meal. Our gracious host, Irene, has thoughtfully curated a delightful dining experience to complement the handmade pasta.
| Course | Dish |
| — | — |
| Starter | Antipasti platter with cured meats, olives, and fresh focaccia |
| Main | Tagliatelle ragu with a glass of local Sangiovese wine |
| Dessert | Tiramisu and a shot of espresso |
As we savor each flavorful course, we’ll soak up the warm, familial atmosphere of Irene’s home. This is more than just a cooking class – it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings the essence of Bologna to life.
More Great Tours NearbySampling the Local Wines
As we savor the handcrafted tagliatelle ragu, we’re delighted to be paired with a glass of the local Sangiovese wine.
The bold, ruby-red Sangiovese complements the richness of the ragu perfectly, its acidity cutting through the creaminess. We swirl the wine, noting its fruity notes of cherry and plum, and take a sip, savoring the smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
The chef also pours a crisp, dry white Pignoletto, which cleanses the palate between bites. Sipping the local wines, we feel transported to the heart of Bologna, immersed in the flavors and traditions of this celebrated culinary region.
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Discovering the Typical Bologna Home
As we step into the typical Bologna home, we’re immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The cozy kitchen, with its rustic brick walls and well-worn wooden surfaces, sets the stage for our culinary adventure. Our friendly chef, Irene, welcomes us with a genuine smile, guiding us through the process of making authentic Bolognese pasta.
The cozy kitchen, with its rustic charm, sets the stage for an authentic pasta-making adventure guided by the warm and welcoming chef, Irene.
We follow her lead, rolling out the dough and carefully cutting the tagliatelle. The aroma of simmering ragu fills the air, making our mouths water in anticipation.
This hands-on experience in a local’s home promises to be a truly authentic and memorable part of our Bologna visit.
Feedback From Previous Participants
Previous participants have provided insightful feedback that can help us make the most of this cooking class experience. According to reviews:
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Irene, the chef, is described as "sweet" and guides the class step-by-step through making pasta.
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The home setting provides a "delightful experience", though some suggest clearer directions to find the location, especially for first-time visitors without mobile data.
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Reviewers rave about the "amazing cooking class" and call it a "must-do activity" in Bologna.
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The hosts provide additional treats like fresh focaccia and cake, beyond the core 3-course meal.
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The class earns a 4.5/5 rating from 159 past attendees.
Booking and Additional Information
How can we go about booking this cooking class and what additional details should we know? To reserve your spot, the cooking class can be booked directly on the provider’s website or through an online travel platform. Prices start from $64.03 per person. Keep in mind this class is popular and tends to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
| Booking Details | Additional Details |
|—|—|
| Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance | Includes gratuities |
| Pay now or pay later options | Freshly made treats provided |
| Class lasts 3 hours | Recipes included |
| English and Italian spoken | Suggest clearer directions to location
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Cooking Class?
While we don’t recommend bringing your own wine, the class provides local wine as part of the experience. This allows you to fully enjoy the flavors and pairings the chef has carefully selected.
Do I Need to Bring Any Cooking Equipment?
No, you don’t need to bring any cooking equipment. The cooking class provides all the necessary tools and ingredients. Just come ready to learn, cook, and enjoy the delicious homemade pasta and local wine!
Can the Class Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Absolutely, the class can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Just let the hosts know in advance, and they’ll happily adjust the menu to suit your needs. They’re very accommodating and aim to ensure everyone has a wonderful experience.
Is There Parking Available Near the Meeting Point?
Though parking near the meeting point is not explicitly mentioned, we recommend checking for nearby public parking lots or garages before your class. This will ensure a smooth arrival and start to your cooking experience.
What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?
There’s no specific dress code, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes for the hands-on cooking experience. The focus is on learning and enjoying the process, so casual and practical attire is perfectly fine.
Final Words
This hands-on class with Chef Irene is a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the authentic culinary traditions of Bologna. We’ll learn to craft fresh tagliatelle and prepare the iconic ragu in a cozy, family-like setting. Paired with local wines and a delectable 3-course meal, this experience offers an unparalleled taste of the city’s celebrated cuisine. Don’t miss this opportunity to master the art of pasta-making and savor the flavors of Bologna.
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