ITALIAN CLASSES

Italian food is our founder, Fiona’s absolute passion – it’s what comes natural to her . In this class we’ll work together to create some incredible Italian food, using recipes from our founder, Fiona’s mother and grandmother, with a vegan twist. This class is a true feast with entre, main and dessert.

Italian Cooking Classes: Explore Sicilian, Rustic Italian and Gnocchi Flavours

At Wholesome Bellies, we have a deep love for Italian food! Italy is famous for its diverse regional cuisines, and we’re excited to offer three Italian cooking classes that showcase the incredible variety of dishes from different parts of the country . Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started, our classes promise an enjoyable experience filled with learning, laughter, and delicious plant-based dishes. From the rich tastes of Sicily to the comforting dishes of the countryside and the lively flavours of an Italian summer.

Sicilian Masterclass: The True Tastes of Sicily

Get ready to travel to the amazing island of Sicily in our Sicilian Masterclass. Sicilian food is a blend of Mediterranean influences that creates dishes bursting with history and flavour. This class lets you in on family recipes that have been cherished for generations, now with a plant-based twist that brings out the vibrant colours and tastes of Sicily.

Menu:

  • Olive, rosemary, and garlic focaccia
  • Caponata – a classic dish with capsicum, eggplant, and onion, served with bread
  • Vegan calamari with garlic aioli
  • Rigatoni alla Norma – tomato sauce with crispy fried eggplant
  • Lemon granita
  • Traditional almond biscotti

Rustic Italian Class: Comforting Flavours from the Countryside

Feel the warmth of Italy’s countryside in our Rustic Italian Class. Rustic Italian cuisine is about simple yet satisfying dishes that bring comfort and memories of home. We’ve given these dishes a plant-based twist, offering new ways to enjoy Italian food that feels familiar yet exciting.

Menu:

  • Polenta chips with chunky cashew pesto
  • Zucchini ravioli with vegan spinach ricotta
  • Mixed mushroom risotto
  • Primavera risotto – asparagus, tomato, olives
  • Rocket, pear, and candied walnut salad
  • Chocolate pretzel espresso tart

Gnocchi Class: Discover the Art of Gnocchi Making

Are you looking for a memorable cooking experience that includes learning, laughter and a satisfying meal? Those soft, fluffy pasta dumplings, when paired with delectable vegan sauces, create a harmony of flavours that’s truly unforgettable. If you’re a fan of gnocchi or simply interested by this Italian delicacy, our Gnocchi Class is the perfect place to master the art of gnocchi making. At Wholesome Bellies, we understand the allure of gnocchi and have designed this class to guide you through creating three variations of gnocchi and three mouthwatering pasta sauces – all 100% plant-based. It’s a fantastic opportunity to indulge in the joys of cooking, feasting, and learning with a community of like-minded food lover.

Menu:

  • Spinach Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Carbonara Sauce
  • Classic Gnocchi with Tomato and Basil Sauce
  • Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Roast Tomato and Garlic Sauce
  • Chocolate Almond Tart

Why Choose our Italian Cooking Classes?

Our Italian cooking classes are perfect for everyone, from those looking to add more plant-based options to their meals. With skilled instructors and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll gain the know-how and confidence to recreate these Italian delights in your own kitchen.

No previous experience is needed as our qualified teachers will guide you through each recipe one step at a time, and there are loads of people in the class to help in areas you need. 

You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to attend – we all can do with extra plants in our diet, so these classes are perfect for that.

Our minimum age to attend classes is 12 and teenagers need to be accompanied by an adult. They are unable to be at a cooking class on their own.

Suitable for All Levels: A Feast for the Senses and Skills

Our Italian classes are open to all experience levels. Whether you come alone, with a partner, or with friends, you’ll find a friendly and inclusive environment. Our hands-on approach ensures you’ll learn to prepare these dishes step by step, with help available whenever needed.

The heart of our Italian cooking classes is the joy of cooking, learning, and sharing a meal together. You’ll work in small groups, creating dishes as a team. At the end of the class, you’ll sit down to savour the results of your efforts in a relaxed setting. Classes usually last around 2.5 to 3 hours, leaving enough  time for cooking, learning, and sharing a meal together. You’re welcome to bring your favourite drink to enjoy alongside.

Find at date for one for these classes

Our classes run over weekends, either a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons. Our schedule changes every month so be sure to check out dates as they pop up.

To check dates for our Sicilian Classes  Click HERE

For our Rustic Italian find dates HERE

For our Italian Summer find dates HERE

For our Gnocchi Classes find dates HERE

Our Italian cooking classes offer a chance to explore Italy’s diverse tastes, all with a plant-based twist. From Sicilian to Rustic comfort to Italian summer and to the Gnocchi, each class delivers a unique experience celebrating the beauty of Italian food. Check our schedule for upcoming class dates and secure your spot now!

Dietary Considerations

As a plant-based cooking school, our Italian cooking classes are dairy-free and animal product-free by default. Many classes are also designed to be gluten-free, and we always offer options for those with specific dietary needs. If you’re concerned about nut allergies, please let us know, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

Do you Offer NDIS Special Pricing?

To find out more about NDIS and pricing please click HERE!

We welcome students on NDIS and can provide relevant invoices to Plan Managers as needed.  Care workers are welcome to accompany NDIS participants.  If they are simply accompanying them and don’t need to be by the participants side and simply just be available as support, there is no charge for the care worker.  However, if the care worker is required to participate in the class as a student and help the participant and also enjoy the meal than a ticket needs to be purchased. 

Cooking Class Terms and Conditions

Classes at Wholesome Bellies are popular and often booked out weeks in advance.  We do offer options on rescheduling. Before booking in please read through the Ts & Cs HERE.

Our menus are based on seasonable products which means that from time to time some fresh ingredients may not be available.  In this instance we will always substitute with the best available option. 

Your Teacher

Meet Your Chef: Fiona Anchal

The one who will lead all these classes is none other than the talented and passionate Fiona Anchal, the heart and soul of Wholesome Bellies. With years of experience in the culinary world, Fiona is on a mission to inspire people to embrace plant-based, whole food cooking. Her teaching style is friendly and inclusive, ensuring that every participant, regardless of their cooking skill level, feels at ease and empowered in the kitchen. Fiona's dedication in creating simple, but a nutritious and delicious dishes is evident in the recipes she has carefully curated for these classes. Fiona believes in the beauty of simplicity and whole foods, and her classes reflect that philosophy. Attending these classes and having time with Fiona is a memorable experience that you could bring for your entire life.