Master Parmigiana and Gnocchi Making | Private

Discover Two Italian Icons, the Private Way

Eggplant Parmigiana and handmade potato gnocchi are cornerstones of Italian comfort cuisine. This private cooking class in central Rome turns those classics into an unforgettable, hands-on experience tailored to couples, families, and food-loving friends. With an English-speaking local chef, guests learn techniques that home cooks actually use in Italy, then sit down to enjoy the results with local wines and soft drinks.

The class takes place in one of InRome Cooking’s signature venues: an elegant 17th-century palazzo just behind Piazza Navona or the modern school steps from the Pantheon. The setting blends Old-World charm and professional kitchens, creating the ideal backdrop for a relaxed, immersive lesson. A welcome glass of Prosecco and seasonal Italian appetizers set the tone from the moment of arrival.

Learn the Secrets of Silky Parmigiana

The lesson begins with the foundations of a great Parmigiana. Guests work through each step, from salting and preparing the eggplant to achieving a golden, light fry. A slow-simmered tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and the right mozzarella become the building blocks for clean layers that bake to a bubbling, creamy finish. Along the way, the chef explains regional twists and the small details—heat control, oil management, resting time—that deliver that coveted melt-in-the-middle texture.

Hand-Roll Pillowy Potato Gnocchi

Attention then shifts to gnocchi from scratch. Flour choice, potato varieties, and dough hydration are addressed before moving on to gentle mixing and shaping. Guests practice rolling, cutting, and ridging for sauce-clinging texture, then cook the gnocchi to a light, tender bite. The chef prepares classic pairings—such as a rich tomato and basil sauce or a butter-and-sage emulsion—so every dish showcases both flavor and technique.

A Meal to Savor

After cooking, everyone gathers in the dining room for a leisurely Italian meal. The freshly baked Parmigiana and the hand-made gnocchi are served with local wines and soft drinks, rounding out a menu that feels festive yet authentically home-style. The pace is unhurried, conversation flows, and the experience captures the warm spirit of an Italian family table—right in the center of Rome.