Nonna's Italian Classics with Marta

Schedule

Fri Mar 20 2026 at 05:45 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Freight Island | Manchester, EN

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Join Marta for an Italian cooking class in Manchester. Learn how to make classic dishes from scratch: Gnocchi, Pesto, Panzanella & Dessert!
About this Event
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Join Marta for an Italian cooking class in Manchester, where food is all about family, care, and joy. Growing up in a small town near Rome, she spent her days cooking alongside her mum and Nonna, learning the rustic recipes that shaped her love for nourishing, homemade meals. Now, she’s ready to share those flavours with you.

In this Italian cooking class, you’ll learn how to make classic dishes from scratch. Marta also shows you how to create meals that are both wholesome and delicious. Don't worry if you're new to cooking -- this beginner-friendly class will have helpful guidance every step of the way.

Arrive 5:45pm welcome drinks & nibbles, get to know other class attendees and become familiar with surroundings. 6:15pm - begin cooking! 8:30pm Finishing up cooking with a chance to taste what you have made, wind down & pack away!


https://vimeo.com/1149180082?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

What to expect:

  • Learn the secrets to making pillowy potato gnocchi, paired with homemade basil pesto.
  • Transform day-old bread into a fresh and vibrant panzanella salad.
  • Whip up a frothy Crema al Caffè for a sweet dessert.
  • Get all the best tips on balancing flavour with wellbeing, so you can enjoy healthy food without giving up what you love.
  • Cook alongside Marta in a welcoming environment.

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At the end of the class, you’ll gather around the table to enjoy your creations together or take them home to share. Recipes and all ingredients are provided, so you can take your newfound skills and recreate these Italian classics anytime!

For every ticket sold, a nutritious meal is provided for someone experiencing homelessness, in partnership with Barnabus and Lifeshare charities. Guests are also welcome to bring along any unwanted kitchen equipment, which will be redistributed to local homeless shelters.


https://vimeo.com/1161385117?fl=tl&fe=ec
Agenda

🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Arrive, Have Some Nibbles & Get Set Up

Info: Help yourself to free food and drinks, mozzarella, tomato, olives and basil kebabs with hot drinks - coffee and tea available. Get acquainted with your surroundings and cooking leader and get ready to cook!


🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:30 PM
Lessons Commence: Start Gnocchi

Info: You'll first start by cooking the potatoes to make a start on your gnocchi whilst chopping up all the desired ingredients for your panzanella, then you'll get your fresh basil plants ready to make delicious basil pesto.


🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:50 PM
Make Panzanella

Info: First things first we will start with a very simple Italian salad with a crusty bread base, toss in olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic - it'll be one of the best salads you've ever had!


🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:15 PM
Gnocchi Making! Grate That Potato

Info: After that you'll move onto your gnocchi making and will have grated and mashed your potato into balls, ready to roll out into smaller balls and use the special gnocchi board to finish off!


🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:30 PM
Get Making That Pesto

Info: Using the freshest of basil, crack out and pestle and mortar and put in some work to create the smoothest, tastiest pesto ever! Mmmmm...


🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:15 PM
Roll & Cook Your Gnocchi

Info: After your Gnocchi has taken a ball shape, make into smaller balls and roll along the board to create well-known Gnocchi shape!


🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Taste & Take Home What You've Made

Info: Pack away your things and your cooking leaders will clean up for you. You'll get to take away everything that you made (remember to bring tupperware!), your crema al cafe will be made in a glass jar that you can take home and keep!


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Where is it happening?

Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 4.50 to GBP 65.00

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