Pasta Like a Nonna : Orecchiette Class in Panama

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from your host. Begin by hearing about the history of pasta and the phases of the durum wheat used for semolina flour, which will be mixed with water. Before you dive into the dough, tie back your hair and wash your hands.
Begin with a live demonstration. Watch as your host shows you how to perfectly mix the ingredients and master the kneading technique. Once the demonstration is over, it’s your turn of kneading the dough to feel its texture and elasticity.

Next, watch as your host demonstrates the traditional techniques for shaping pasta. Learn how to craft cavatelli and orecchiette using only a knife and the pressure of the thumb. Then, see how to shape maccheroni using a traditional metal rod (the ferretto).

Once you have mastered the basic movements, move to your individual workstation. Using your own knife and metal rod, begin to shape your dough into cavatelli, orecchiette, and maccheroni, putting your new skills to the test.

At the end of the class, pack your handmade pasta into a bag provided by your host to enjoy at home. To wrap up the experience, take a celebratory group photo to remember your day together.