Discover the art of Italian Vegetarian Cuisine
with Letizia Mattiacci in Rome
Vegetarian cooking classes in Rome
The best vegetarian cooking class you might have in Rome is from someone who invites you to their home. This is because, only a small selection of the rich and ancient Italian tradition of cooking vegetables appears on restaurants menus and other professional establishments.
Most often than not, vegetables are presented as basic side dishes with a few popular exceptions like eggplant parmigiana, zucchini blossoms and artichokes.
This is however not representative of how Italians cook at home. First of all, plant based cuisine is strictly seasonal. Hardly anyone would make eggplant parmigiana or pesto in January or artichokes in August.
In addition, the Italian tradition offers a vast repertoire of vegetable based dishes that you will only get to know through home cooking .
Be Italian and cook in season! Join our vegetarian cooking classes to learn how to make a sustainable meal which is nourishing and, full color and flavor.
Why choose our vegetarian cooking classes?
Learning the art of flavor
I have been teaching cooking classes for 22 years and I have cooked recipes suitable to many different diets, cultures and religions. As a consequence you will be able to learn dishes that are useful to you and respect your principles and inspiration.
My classes are small, no more than 4-5 participants, unhurried, relaxed. The focus of the class is for you to achieve an understanding of the techniques used to enhance the flavor of each ingredient.
You will also learn how to choose ingredients that complement and enhance each other rather than overpowering them with a blanket of sauce, seasonings and/or spices, in true Italian style.
❝ my life is made of pasta and smiles ❞
Vegan options
It might come as a surprise, but for centuries the vast majority of the Italian population has survived on a plant based diet with beans being the main if not the only source of protein.
As a consequence, a number of Italian savory recipes are traditionally vegan or can be made vegan without altering the identity and delicious flavor of the dish.
For example, the busiate in this image is a type of fresh pasta made without eggs, served with eggplants in a tomato sauce, a vegan version of pasta alla Norma.
Other Italian sauces are either naturally vegan, for example tomato and basil, or can be easily made vegan, for example puttanesca, arrabbiata or any vegetable pesto.
In addition, I live steps aways from a wonderful outdoor market, so all your ingredients will always be fresh and of excellent quality.
Delicious food for all
For most of my life I have battled with wheat intolerance. I understand how important it is to feel included even if you have a special diet or allergies. Many of my recipes are gluten free or have a gluten free alternative.
While it's not always possible to create a menu that includes all variables, there will always be delicious food for all on my table. Please ask and we will discuss possibilities.
Please note that my cooking classes might not be entirely gluten free, or vegan, or vegetarian. In the spirit of inclusion, the menu if a cookery class is the same for all participants with variants for those who follow a special diet.
Should you temporarily decide to renounce your special diet, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance so I can adjust ingredients, portions and working stations before arrival, thank you!
A presto!
