Beginner's guide
Learn to cook Italian
Italian cooking is simpler than many think: a few good ingredients, a little technique, lots of love. Here are the basics and step-by-step guides for the most important classics — and if you want to learn it live, in our cooking classes in Ratingen.
The most important principles
A few good ingredients
Italian cooking thrives on quality over quantity. Good olive oil, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, real parmesan.
Season & region
Cook what's in season. It tastes better and costs less.
Keep it simple
The best dishes often have only a handful of ingredients. Don't overdo it.
Pasta al dente
Cook it firm to the bite, finish it in the sauce, and a ladle of pasta water binds it all together.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start cooking Italian?
Begin with a classic that needs few ingredients, such as pasta with tomato sauce or risotto. Good base ingredients matter more than lots of spices.
What are the most important Italian staple ingredients?
Olive oil, garlic, tomatoes (puréed and fresh), parmesan, fresh basil, good pasta and short-grain rice for risotto.
Do I need prior experience for a cooking class?
No. Our classes in Ratingen are for beginners and advanced cooks alike — Chef Ervin guides every step.
Can I learn to cook Italian in a class?
Yes. In Ratingen we offer classes such as Mani in Pasta, Cucina Classica Italiana and Street Food Italiano, with guidance from the Italian head chef.
Learn it live in Ratingen
Mani in Pasta, Cucina Classica Italiana, Street Food Italiano. Small groups, with Chef Ervin Trungu.
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