Matera: Cooking in a Historic Masseria. Living Like a Local!

Matera, the ancient city nestled in the heart of Basilicata, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers to enjoy its rich culinary traditions. At the historic Masseria Torre Spagnola, visitors can embark on a unique culinary journey, learning to craft authentic Lucanian dishes under the guidance of expert chefs. From mastering the art of handmade pasta to perfecting the beloved tiramisu, this hands-on cooking class promises an unforgettable experience that goes beyond mere instruction, inviting participants to savor the flavors and hospitality that define the essence of Matera. Prepare to be captivated by the region’s gastronomic wonders as you step into the heart of this historic masseria.

Key Points

• Enjoy the culinary traditions of Basilicata during a hands-on cooking class at the historic Masseria Torre Spagnola in Lucania.

• Master the art of making fresh orecchiette pasta and tiramisu under the guidance of an expert chef, while savoring local wines.

• Enjoy a private 4-course meal featuring the dishes you prepared, complemented by the regional gastronomic heritage of Basilicata.

• Explore the rich food culture of Lucania, with a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and ancient cooking techniques.

• Conveniently located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera, with wheelchair-accessible accommodations and customizable menus available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cooking Class Overview

The cooking class at the historic Masseria Torre Spagnola offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the culinary traditions of Lucania.

Over the course of 5 hours, a small group of up to 8 individuals will learn to prepare classic dishes under the guidance of an expert local chef. Instruction is provided in both Italian and English, ensuring accessibility for all.

The hands-on experience includes making fresh pasta and the iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu. Participants will then savor the fruits of their labor during a private 4-course lunch or dinner, complemented by local wines.

The class is wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Traditional Lucania Recipes

During the cooking class, participants don’t merely learn recipes – they uncover the secrets of Lucania’s family-cherished dishes, passed down through generations. Participants will make orecchiette pasta from scratch, cutting the dough without the aid of machines. This hands-on experience allows them to fully appreciate the culinary artistry behind these iconic regional specialties. As they savor local wines, they’ll delight in preparing and tasting the flavors of Basilicata, a land renowned for its healthy food habits and ancient traditions.

Dish	Ingredients	Technique
Orecchiette	Durum wheat flour, water	Hand-cutting dough into small, ear-shaped pieces
Tiramisu	Eggs, sugar, mascarpone, coffee, ladyfingers	Layering and chilling to achieve classic texture
Lucania-style Vegetables	Seasonal produce, olive oil, garlic, herbs	Slow-roasting to concentrate flavors

Hands-on Pasta and Tiramisu

Typically, participants begin their culinary journey by crafting fresh pasta and the beloved Italian dessert, tiramisu.

Under the guidance of the expert local chef, they’ll learn the secrets to making orecchiette pasta from scratch, cutting the dough without a machine.

Mastering the art of tiramisu, they’ll assemble the classic layered dessert using mascarpone, ladyfingers, and rich espresso.

Throughout the hands-on experience, you will savor local wines as they prepare and share the iconic Italian dishes.

This intimate cooking class offers a unique opportunity to take in the culinary traditions of Lucania, passing down through generations and showcasing the healthy food habits and ancient customs of Basilicata.

Expert Chef Demonstration

After the hands-on pasta and tiramisu preparation, the expert local chef takes center stage, sharing the secrets to iconic Lucanian dishes.

With a lifetime of culinary experience, the chef’s exclusive demonstration captivates the class. Step-by-step, they reveal the techniques for crafting traditional favorites like orecchiette and cime di rapa.

The group watches intently, eager to learn the nuances that give these regional specialties their distinct flavors. Throughout the session, the chef encourages questions, offering insights into the rich food heritage of Basilicata.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Iconic Italian Dish Preparation

With guidance from the expert chef, participants dive into the hands-on preparation of iconic Italian dishes. They learn to make fresh orecchiette pasta, cutting the dough without a machine.

The chef shares the secrets of traditional Lucania recipes, passed down through generations. Participants also tackle the challenge of crafting the beloved dessert, Tiramisu.

As they work, they savor local wines, heightening the immersive culinary experience. The dishes come together, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Basilicata.

Participants eagerly anticipate sampling the fruits of their labor during the 4-course private lunch or dinner that follows.

Enjoy a Private Meal

The culmination of the cooking class is the private 4-course meal, where participants savor the fruits of their labor.

Guests are served the dishes they prepared, alongside local wines, creating an intimate and authentic dining experience.

The menu highlights the culinary richness of Basilicata, known for its healthy food habits and ancient traditions.

Participants can expect to enjoy:

1. Freshly made orecchiette pasta.
2. Homemade tiramisu.
3. A selection of local appetizers and prosecco.
4. Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

This private meal allows visitors to fully enjoy the gastronomic heritage of the region, surrounded by the historic charm of the masseria.

Culinary Richness of Basilicata

Basilicata, a lesser-known region nestled in Southern Italy, is a culinary treasure trove brimming with ancient traditions and healthy food habits.

The region’s cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, which results in dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious.

From the iconic orecchiette pasta to the decadent Tiramisu, the culinary richness of Basilicata is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences and deep-rooted gastronomic heritage.

Visitors to the region can enjoy this vibrant food culture by participating in cooking classes, where they’ll learn the secrets behind these time-honored recipes and savor the flavors of Lucania.

Location and Accessibility Details

Located just a 15-minute drive from the iconic Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Masseria Torre Spagnola provides a picturesque setting for this immersive culinary experience.

The historic masseria is situated just 51 km from Bari-Karol Wojtyla International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The cooking class is wheelchair-friendly, accommodating guests with diverse needs.

While the experience doesn’t cater to those with food allergies, private events with customized menus can be arranged upon request, with pricing tailored to the selected menu.

• 15-minute drive from Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 51 km from Bari-Karol Wojtyla International Airport
• Wheelchair accessible
• Private experiences with customized menus available upon request

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Cooking Class?

Transportation to and from the cooking class is available upon request. Participants can arrange for hotel pick-up and drop-off or inquire about transfer options when booking the experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The cooking class doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s recommended for participants aged 12 and above to fully engage with the hands-on activities and appreciate the culinary experience.

Can the Class Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Restrictions?

The cooking class can accommodate vegetarians and vegans. They’ll work with participants’ dietary needs to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the prepared dishes.

Do Participants Receive a Copy of the Recipes Used During the Class?

Participants receive copies of the recipes used during the class to take home. This allows them to recreate the authentic Lucania dishes they learned to prepare, continuing their culinary journey after the experience.

Is There Any Opportunity to Purchase the Local Products Used in the Class?

Participants can purchase the local products used in the class, such as olive oil, wine, and specialty ingredients. The masseria offers a shop where guests can buy these items to take home after the experience.

Recap

Enjoy the culinary heritage of Matera during this hands-on cooking class at the historic Masseria Torre Spagnola. Master traditional Lucanian recipes like orecchiette and tiramisu, savor your homemade creations paired with local wines, and indulge in the flavors that define the rich culinary traditions of Basilicata. This experience offers a unique opportunity to live like a local and uncover the gastronomic treasures of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: