Course Description

Who hasn't been whisked away by the rich aromas and intricate flavors of an Italian dish at a cozy ristorante? Italy, after all, isn't just known for its arts and history, but also for its distinguished cuisine. With its rich diversity of flavors, Italian cuisine has claimed a prominent place in global dining culture. Recent statistics show that Italian food ranks among the top three global cuisines. But how often have you wished to re-create that gastronomic magic in your own kitchen?

Enter "Cooking Italian 101" - a meticulously designed course intended to turn your culinary dreams into tangible, mouth-watering reality. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and skill set to replicate classic Italian recipes, from the tangy appetizers to creamy desserts.

Dishes you've relished outside, like mozzarella sticks, pasta fagioli, clams oreganata, chicken marsala, and desserts like panna cotta or ricotta cheesecake, might seem complex. Yet, with the right guidance, they can be recreated at home with flair and finesse. But that's not all. Ever wondered why there's a plethora of pasta shapes? Or why "al dente" pasta feels just right? Perhaps, why Grappa has such a distinct flavor? Through this course, we'll unravel these culinary enigmas that often puzzle many.

Crafted especially for beginners, "Cooking Italian 101" encapsulates simplified, yet authentic, recipes. Each recipe is designed to foster confidence in the novice chef. But this course isn't exclusively for the uninitiated. Even seasoned cooks can uncover layers of flavors and techniques. We believe in the proverb, "Practice makes perfect." The true essence of this course is not just reading or understanding but actual hands-on cooking. With time and practice, you'll find your dishes rivaling your favorite Italian restaurants, offering the dual satisfaction of flavor and economic efficiency.

The curriculum unfolds over eleven insightful lessons:

Lesson 1: Buongiorno!
Delve deep into the vast world of Italian cuisine, tracing its history and understanding its global influence.

Lesson 2: Essential Pantry Staples
A tour of quintessential ingredients that form the backbone of Italian cooking, from olive oils to cheeses.

Lesson 3: Equipments & Techniques
Introduction to basic kitchen tools, equipment, and elementary cooking techniques pivotal to Italian cooking.

Lesson 4: Italian Appetizers
Discover the art of preparing tantalizing starters that set the right mood for the feast to follow.

Lesson 5: Robust Italian Soups
Learn to cook heartwarming one-pot Italian soup meals, perfect for any weather.

Lesson 6: The Art of Pasta
Unlock the secrets behind selecting, preparing, and cooking pasta to perfection.

Lesson 7: Sauces & Toppings
Dive into the world of authentic Italian sauces, from tangy marinara to rich Alfredo.

Lesson 8: Meat & Seafood Italiano
Master the craft of preparing and seasoning meats, poultry, and seafood the Italian way.

Lesson 9: Italian Salads
Understand the composition and seasoning of refreshing salads that accompany the main dishes.

Lesson 10: Italy in a Glass
Uncover the culture of Italian beverages, from aromatic wines to robust coffees.

Lesson 11: Desserts - Italy's Sweet Secrets
Delight in the making of classic Italian desserts that offer the perfect finish to a meal.

Each lesson culminates with review questions, allowing you to gauge your understanding and growth. We emphasize learning at your own pace, ensuring thoroughness over haste. By the end of this course, you won't just be a cook; you'll be an Italian chef in spirit. So, tie up that apron, and as the Italians say, "Mangia!" - let's eat!

 
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the historical influences on Italian cuisine by identifying key cultures and ingredients that shaped its development.
  • Describe how regional differences in Italy impact the ingredients and dishes common to each area.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare a basic Italian dish using at least three pantry staples, utilizing appropriate techniques and methods to enhance flavor and authenticity.
  • Identify and describe the essential Italian pantry staples, including olive oil, pasta, canned tomatoes, and cheese, and explain their role in traditional Italian cooking.
  • Define essential kitchen equipment and tools for preparing authentic Italian meals, including the purpose and versatility of each item.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental Italian cooking techniques, such as sautéing and braising, to create classic dishes with enhanced flavors and textures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare Prosciutto and Melon by following the provided step-by-step instructions.
  • Recognize the importance of high-quality ingredients in crafting authentic Italian appetizers.
  • Create a complete meal plan featuring an Italian one-pot soup, complemented with suitable sides, by analyzing the nutritional contributions of each component.
  • Identify key ingredients and techniques for preparing traditional Italian one-pot soups, demonstrating an understanding of their culinary significance.
  • Demonstrate the ability to cook pasta al dente by accurately following time guidelines and performing texture checks during preparation.
  • Recognize the different pasta shapes and identify ideal sauce pairings for each to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Define the steps for preparing marinara sauce and apply them to create a customized pasta dish using different ingredients.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
Motives for Taking this Course 2 points
Lesson 1 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 2 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 3 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 4 Activity 1 points
Lesson 4 Review Exam 9 points
Lesson 5 Review Exam 18 points
Lesson 6 Review Exam 7 points
Lesson 7 Activity 1 points
Lesson 7 Review Exam 19 points
Lesson 8 Activity 1 points
Lesson 9 Activity 1 points
Lesson 10 Activity 1 points
Lesson 11 Activity 1 points