Let's get cookin'!
Chef Domenico Piras, Head Chef of the renowned Italian Restaurant was the designated teacher for the day. As soon as everyone washed their hands and settled on their workstations, Chef Dom started the class with an appetizer: the Bruschetta all’Abruzzese. This Italian appetizer is so famous that a lot of people have churned so many varieties of it. But for that day, Chef Dom settled on topping the grilled bread slice with cherry tomatoes, capers, mozzarella cheese dices, garlic, onion, parsley and extra virgin olive oil sauce. After giving out the instructions on how the bread should be heated and the ingredients mixed, the students then did it on their own. With the Chef’s guidance and encouragement that they could do this simple recipe, everyone came up with delicious appetizers. “I like this dish because it is so easy to prepare but it is still very yummy,” said Roland, who attended the class with his wife.
And the verdict for the risotto dish is...DELICIOUS!
After tasting their first dish, all were more than ready to move on to their second course: the Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini. It’s one version of this poor man’s dish wherein mushrooms make up most of the ingredients. The expectations from the class were higher this time as Risotto is actually the chef’s signature dish. “The secret to having a great risotto is having al dente rice,” explained Chef Dom. After discussing the important points to remember when cooking this dish, it was now the students’ turn to see how well they could do this dish. Of course, they weren’t all alone. Chef Dom was helping them out every step of the way. And pretty soon, everyone came up with this dish they were all satisfied with. “I am very much happy with how my dish turned out,” said Teresita, who came to the class with daughter Mia.
Everyone gets a taste of their freshly-cooked salmon dish
As everyone had a taste of their delicious risotto dishes, the tables were cleared to make way for the final dish of the day: Scaloppa di Salmone con Vegetali dell´Orto. As everyone turned on their stoves for the last time, the kitchen became alive with the sound of salmon being fried in olive oil. “Remember not to overcook your salmon!” said Chef Dom amid the crackle of frying fish. When the salmon was cooked, the students then prepared the garden vegetables, which consisted of tomatoes and carrots tossed in extra virgin olive oil. As expected, the dish was stellar. Everyone thought that the salmon went really well with the vegetables on the side.
Everyone say, OpenRice!!!!
As the class ended, everyone went home with full tummies and big smiles on their faces. The Italian Cooking Class was conducted to bond loved ones (mother-daughter, husband-wife, boyfriend-girlfriend) even closer. Mission accomplished.
*The Italian Cooking Class is a joint effort of OpenRice.com and Pontini Italian Restaurant.