Cooking class in Masseria – Cooking class – Puglia – Lecce

Cooking Class in a 19th-Century Masseria in Lecce

For those eager to experience the flavors of Puglia firsthand, the Cooking class in Masseria offers an authentic opportunity to learn traditional pasta-making skills in a charming rural setting. Priced at $74.64 per person, this 2-hour experience takes place in a beautifully preserved 19th-century farmhouse surrounded by nature. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging lesson led by Daniela, a knowledgeable guide passionate about local cuisine.

This tour is ideal for anyone interested in cooking, food traditions, or local culture. Its focus on making pasta from scratch with only water and durum wheat flour highlights the simplicity and authenticity of Apulian cuisine. While the experience is relatively short, its hands-on nature and the chance to enjoy your freshly made orecchiette paired with local wine make it a memorable and worthwhile activity.

Key Points

• Authentic Apulian pasta-making experience in a historic farmhouse
• Learn to craft the iconic orecchiette using traditional techniques
• Only water and durum wheat flour are used for the dough, emphasizing simplicity
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and guidance
• Includes tasting of your handmade pasta served with tomato sauce or turnip tops
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

The Historic Masseria Setting in Corigliano d’Otranto

The cooking class takes place at Masseria Cataldo, a charming farmhouse built in the 19th century, located in Corigliano d’Otranto. This setting offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by lush greenery and open countryside, providing a genuine sense of rural Puglia. The outdoor environment enhances the experience, making it feel both authentic and relaxed, ideal for those looking to connect with local traditions away from busy city life.

The farmhouse’s rustic ambiance complements the hands-on nature of the activity. The location’s accessibility makes it easy to reach from Lecce, and the open-air atmosphere during the class adds a fresh, natural element to the cooking process.

Making Pasta with Daniela: A Step-by-Step Approach

Daniela leads this interactive cooking session, guiding learners through each stage of creating traditional orecchiette. The process begins with preparing the dough using only water and durum wheat flour, emphasizing the purity of authentic Pugliese pasta. Participants learn the technique for shaping the orecchiette, which involves pressing and shaping the dough into the characteristic small domed shapes.

Once the pasta is shaped, the group moves on to cooking the orecchiette in boiling water. The final step involves pairing the pasta with tomato sauce or turnip tops, both classic ingredients in local cuisine. Tasting your freshly made dish with a good glass of Salento wine offers a true taste of the region’s culinary traditions.

The Hands-On Learning Experience

This pasta-making class is designed to be engaging and informative. Daniela’s approach is described as patience-driven and personable, making the learning process enjoyable even for newcomers to cooking. The class’s small size fosters a relaxed environment where participants can ask questions and get personalized tips.

Step-by-step, you’ll learn how to handle the dough, shape the orecchiette, and cook the pasta to perfection. The emphasis on traditional techniques ensures that even after the class, participants can replicate this process at home, keeping the authentic taste of Puglia alive in their kitchens.

Meeting Point and Schedule Details

The tour starts at Masseria Cataldo, situated at Via Comunale Petrone Pleggi, 251, 73022 Corigliano d’Otranto, Lecce. The activity operates on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the months spanning April 1 to October 25 in both 2025 and 2026. The mobile ticket system makes it easy to access the experience with a confirmation received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Participants are advised to arrive on time for the scheduled session, as the activity ends back at the original meeting point. The flexible schedule and small group size allow for an intimate and relaxed environment, perfect for a personal culinary experience.

The Unique Focus on Simple, Local Ingredients

A notable feature of this class is the use of only water and local durum wheat flour to prepare the dough. This highlights the simplicity and authenticity of traditional Pugliese pasta. The focus on basic ingredients underscores the region’s culinary philosophy—let the quality of local products shine through in simple, hearty dishes.

The emphasis on homemade pasta also allows for a deeper appreciation of regional food culture, connecting participants directly to the methods passed down through generations. The resulting orecchiette is a true reflection of local craftsmanship and culinary identity.

Tasting the Fruits of Your Labor with Local Wine

After shaping and cooking the pasta, the class concludes with a tasting session featuring your freshly made orecchiette. The pasta is served with traditional tomato sauce or turnip tops, both staples of Apulian cuisine. The pairing with Salento wine enhances the flavors and provides a genuine regional experience.

This part of the experience offers a relaxed opportunity to savor your efforts while enjoying the conviviality of sharing a homemade meal. It’s an authentic taste of life in southern Italy, perfectly complementing the hands-on cooking lesson.

Cost and Booking Flexibility

At $74.64 per person, this cooking class provides good value considering the personalized instruction, participation in making a regional specialty, and the included tasting. The free cancellation policy allows for flexibility; bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled class for a full refund, making it a risk-free choice for planning your trip.

The experience is best booked 5 days in advance, ensuring availability and time to prepare for the small group setting.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience?

This class appeals most to travelers interested in culinary traditions, hands-on cooking experiences, or regional specialties. It suits those who appreciate authentic local ingredients and want to learn a timeless craft. The rural farmhouse environment and intimate group size make it ideal for visitors seeking a relaxed, genuine taste of Puglia away from tourist crowds.

While the activity requires some manual work in shaping the pasta, it’s accessible for most and does not demand prior cooking skills. The focus on simple ingredients and regional techniques makes it an engaging, educational, and delicious experience.

Final Thoughts: A Genuine Taste of Puglia’s Pasta Tradition

The Cooking class in Masseria in Lecce offers an authentic glimpse into the culinary soul of Puglia. For $74.64, participants learn to craft orecchiette with local flour and water, guided by an attentive and friendly instructor. The historic farmhouse setting enhances the experience, making it a peaceful retreat into regional food culture.

The class’s focus on traditional methods, simple ingredients, and regional pairing with local wine ensures a memorable and educational activity suited for food lovers and curious travelers alike. Its small group size guarantees personal attention, and the flexible booking options make planning straightforward.

This experience is especially recommended for those who want to bring home new cooking skills and an appreciation for Puglia’s culinary artistry. It’s a genuine, heartwarming way to connect to the region’s food heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the cooking class?
The price covers the hands-on pasta-making experience, instruction from Daniela, and the tasting of your freshly made orecchiette with tomato sauce or turnip tops, served with a glass of local Salento wine.

How long does the class last?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to prepare pasta, learn techniques, and enjoy your meal.

Where does the class take place?
It begins at Masseria Cataldo in Corigliano d’Otranto, set in a historic farmhouse surrounded by nature, with the activity ending back at the starting point.

What ingredients are used to make the pasta?
The dough is made using only water and local durum wheat flour, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity.

Is prior cooking experience necessary?
No, the class is suitable for beginners and those without prior culinary skills, as Daniela guides through each step patiently.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled experience. Refunds are processed accordingly.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is designed for small groups of adults; suitability for children is not specified but could depend on group dynamics.

How many people participate in each class?
A maximum of 6 travelers are allowed in each session, providing a more personalized experience.

Do I get to taste my own pasta?
Absolutely, you enjoy the pasta you prepare during the class, paired with regional wine and sauces.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
There is no specific information on accessibility; the rural farmhouse setting may pose some limitations.