Pesto and Walnut Sauce Lesson in a mortar with a World Champion and Ligurian Menu

Discover Ligurian Flavors with a World Champion Chef

The Pesto and Walnut Sauce Lesson in a mortar offers a unique opportunity to learn traditional Ligurian recipes directly from Camilla Pizzorno, the youngest winner of the World Pesto al Mortaio Championship. This 2-hour hands-on class takes place in a charming setting in Liguria, Italy, with an intimate group limited to six participants. The experience includes making your own pesto and walnut sauce using authentic ingredients, then savoring them as part of a local Ligurian menu that features focaccia, trofie with pesto, pansoti with walnut sauce, tiramisu, plus wine and Italian liqueurs.

This tour is perfect for those interested in culinary traditions, eager to learn from a champion, and wanting a genuine taste of Ligurian cuisine. The setting varies between a summer garden surrounded by greenery or a heated outdoor area in winter, ensuring comfort and authenticity year-round. While the price details are not provided, the value lies in the expert guidance and exclusive recipes shared by Camilla herself, making this experience a memorable highlight for food lovers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Ligurian recipes taught by Camilla Pizzorno, a world champion.
• Hands-on preparation of pesto and walnut sauce using century-old mortar and pestle.
• Tasting of local dishes, including focaccia, trofie, pansoti, tiramisu, and regional wines and liqueurs.
• Exclusive insight into the ingredients that define Genoese cuisine, such as PDO basil, Vessalico garlic, Italian pine nuts.
• Indoor and outdoor options ensure comfort whether visiting in summer or winter.
• Participants receive the original recipe PDF, photos and videos, plus a small gift to take home.

Learning from the Only World Champion in the Pesto al Mortaio

Camilla Pizzorno is the youngest-ever winner of the World Pesto al Mortaio Championship, having bested over a hundred competitors, including renowned chefs. Raised in a family where basil and traditional techniques were part of daily life, Camilla now shares her culinary secrets in this class. She guides participants through each step of creating pesto with a large marble mortar and a vintage olive wood pestle over 100 years old, demonstrating generations-old gestures that enhance flavor and authenticity.

Her teaching style is patient, clear, and passionate, allowing learners to crush ingredients by hand and understand how each element influences the final taste and texture. The class emphasizes quality ingredients, such as Genoese basil PDO, Vessalico garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Liguria’s extra virgin olive oil. Camilla’s focus is on preserving tradition and sharing her love for Ligurian cuisine, making this experience both educational and heartfelt.

Making Pesto in a Historic Mortar

The pesto preparation takes place in a large Carrara marble mortar with a vintage olive wood pestle. Participants learn the original technique, crushing ingredients by hand to release their aromas and flavors. Camilla demonstrates how to balance the ingredients for the ideal color and texture. After the pesto is ready, everyone gets to taste it fresh paired with focaccia bread and a local pasta like trofie.

This process highlights the importance of authentic tools and techniques, setting this class apart from more modern, industrial approaches. The interactive nature allows for personalized guidance, ensuring each participant leaves with a true understanding of Ligurian pesto.

Crafting Walnut Sauce with Ancient Techniques

The walnut sauce, a rare recipe to find today, is prepared in the same mortar and pestle. Camilla explains how the simple ingredients—Italian walnuts, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and a touch of marjoram—combine to create a creamy, delicate sauce. Participants mix and crush the ingredients, experiencing firsthand the traditional craftsmanship behind this dish.

This homemade walnut sauce is then paired with pansoti, a typical Ligurian filled pasta. The pairing showcases the versatility of the sauce and the regional love for fresh, wholesome ingredients.

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Tasting and Savoring the Ligurian Menu

Following the hands-on cooking, the group enjoys the fruits of their labor. The pesto is tasted with trofie pasta, and the walnut sauce pairs beautifully with pansoti. The menu is completed with tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, served with a selection of regional wines and liqueurs.

The setting enhances the tasting experience, whether in the summer garden immersed in greenery or in a heated outdoor area during winter, providing a comfortable atmosphere in which to savor these authentic flavors.

Exclusive Recipes and Souvenirs to Bring Home

At the end of the class, participants receive the original recipe PDF, allowing them to recreate the dishes at home. They also get photos and videos of the session, along with a small gift as a memento. Camilla’s goal is to share her heritage, making sure each guest leaves equipped with knowledge and a piece of Liguria.

This personal touch, combined with the expert guidance of a world champion, makes the experience truly special. The focus on authentic ingredients and traditional techniques preserves the integrity of Ligurian cuisine.

Practical Information and Booking Details

The class departs from a convenient meeting point in Liguria, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. The 2-hour experience can be booked with the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travelers.

The activity is conducted in English and Italian, ideal for international visitors. The small group size of up to six participants ensures a personalized experience. In case of bad weather, the class moves inside a covered and heated outdoor area, surrounded by lush greenery.

Who Should Sign Up for This Experience?

This class appeals most to foodies, culinary travelers, and those eager to learn from a champion. It’s especially suitable for adults who appreciate hands-on cooking and authentic regional cuisine. The inclusion of regional wines, liqueurs, and a traditional dessert adds to the comprehensive Ligurian experience.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cultural culinary journey, you will find this class offers both education and genuine connection to Ligurian traditions.

Final Thoughts on the Ligurian Pesto and Walnut Sauce Class

The Pesto and Walnut Sauce Lesson led by Camilla Pizzorno combines expertise, authenticity, and warmth. The opportunity to learn from a world champion and prepare traditional sauces by hand makes it a standout culinary experience in Liguria. The setting in lush gardens or heated outdoor space ensures comfort, and the detailed recipe package allows for long-lasting memories.

This experience is especially suitable for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Ligurian cuisine or seeking a meaningful hands-on activity during their trip. Its focus on authentic tools and traditional techniques ensures participants gain true culinary skills while enjoying delicious food and regional wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the class last?
The class lasts 2 hours, providing enough time to make and taste both pesto and walnut sauce.

What ingredients are used in the recipes?
Important ingredients include Genoese basil PDO, Vessalico garlic, Italian pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, Fiore Sardo pecorino, and Liguria’s extra virgin olive oil.

Can I learn the traditional Pesto al Mortaio technique?
Yes, the class emphasizes hand-crushing ingredients using a large marble mortar and vintage pestle, following original techniques.

Is the experience suitable in winter?
Absolutely, the heated outdoor area makes the experience comfortable year-round.

What do I get after the class?
Participants receive the original recipe PDF, photos and videos of the session, and a small gift to remember the experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Please inform the organizers about allergies or intolerances when booking. Food safety measures are in place, but total exclusion of packaged products may not be guaranteed.

How can I book this experience?
Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The activity can be booked now and paid later for flexibility.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation arrangements are available upon request, making it easier to reach the meeting point.

What languages are spoken during the class?
The class is conducted in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication for international guests.

What makes this tour stand out from other cooking classes?
The expert guidance of a World Champion, the use of authentic historic tools, and an intimate small-group setting distinguish this experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby