Verdure: an Italian cookery class with Gennaro Contaldo @ Oxford Street

Gennaro Contaldo’s Vegetable Masterclass Celebrates the Art of Italian Cooking

Vegetable lovers can discover a fresh approach to Italian cuisine with legendary chef Gennaro Contaldo in an inspiring hands-on cooking experience. Celebrating the beauty of seasonal produce, the class reveals how simple vegetables can be transformed into impressive and flavour-packed dishes using traditional techniques and creative touches from Gennaro’s cookbook, *Verdure*.

Known as the don of Italian cooking, Gennaro guides participants through the secrets of enhancing natural flavours and making the most of fresh ingredients. The experience focuses on creating colourful, delicious meals that are both approachable and inspiring, proving that vegetables can take centre stage in exceptional cooking.

The class begins with Gennaro’s unique take on a classic carbonara featuring tender asparagus, followed by a warm salad of green beans and baby plum tomatoes finished with a bold garlic and chilli dressing. Guests will also prepare a baked Caprese salad with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and green olives, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of ripe tomatoes.

To complete the experience, Gennaro demonstrates how humble carrots can become a delightful carrot and almond cake, blending creativity with Italian culinary traditions. By the end of the session, participants will have mastered a variety of vegetable-focused dishes and gained the confidence to bring Gennaro’s vibrant, flavourful approach into their own kitchens.