We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Fausto Soldini

  Cooking typical Roman dishes exactly as my grandmother taught me over 40 years ago. With the right ingredients, you'll see how easy it is to impress your friends or prepare a dinner for the one you love. Because the main ingredient is up to you. It's called Love. I will explain to you in simple words, but above all in clear movements, the dishes with which we have opened more than 25 restaurants in our lifetime to date.

Read more

  Cooking typical Roman dishes exactly as my grandmother taught me over 40 years ago. With the right ingredients, you'll see how easy it is to impress your friends or prepare a dinner for the one you love. Because the main ingredient is up to you. It's called Love. I will explain to you in simple words, but above all in clear movements, the dishes with which we have opened more than 25 restaurants in our lifetime to date.

Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, Gricia and finally his majesty the Carbonara . And finally a bonus, I'll tell you how we make tiramisu at Zero Sei, our finest dessert, which you should know is not Roman, but Veneto, a region in the North East of our wonderful country.

Each recipe lasts just long enough to boil the water and cook the pasta.

In 15 minutes you can put a plate of pasta on the table and say to your guests: "Fausto taught me this way. “

And if it doesn't come out right the first time, try again and again. Remember that it doesn't have to be a dish to be photographed, it has to be good.

Courage, take the pot, put the water in and turn on the heat.

I'll take you to Rome....   

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Cooking pasta is easier if you have a friend to explain it to you!
  • They will learn to cook amatriciana, cacio e pepe, gricia and carbonara.
  • To make the best tiramisu ever eaten...
  • Cucina italiana
  • Italian cooking

Syllabus

Introduzione

In the first lesson, the great classic of Roman cuisine, explained in simple terms.

Pasta alla Amatriciana .

Fausto Soldini

Read more

After this video I hope I have given you the basics for making a good Cacio e Pepe pasta. If it doesn't come out right the first time, don't give up, try again and again, you'll see that in the end it's easier than you think.

Fausto Soldini

Gricia is said to be the ancestor of Amatriciana, and I am convinced that after tasting it, it will become one of your favourite dishes.

Fausto Soldini

One of Rome's iconic dishes. The most (badly) copied dish, this is the version my grandmother taught me.

Zero Sei Trattoria Romana's Tiramisu explained for the first time. There are no secrets, no tricks! Just a pinch of love.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on classic Roman pasta dishes, providing a solid foundation for those interested in Italian cuisine and its regional variations
Emphasizes simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making it accessible for beginners to recreate authentic Roman flavors in their own kitchens
Includes a bonus lesson on tiramisu, expanding the learner's repertoire beyond pasta dishes and introducing them to a popular Italian dessert
Taught by someone with experience opening over 25 restaurants, which may provide learners with practical insights into the restaurant business
Recipes are designed to be quick and easy, with each dish taking about the same time as it takes to boil water and cook the pasta

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Authentic roman pasta made easy

According to students, this course offers an easy and authentic dive into classic Roman pasta dishes like Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Cacio e Pepe. Learners particularly praise the simple, step-by-step approach and the engaging teaching style of instructor Fausto Soldini. Many found they could achieve great-tasting, restaurant-quality results quickly, often within the promised 15 minutes of cooking time. While some mention minor issues with video quality or the instructor's accent, the overwhelming sentiment is that the recipes are highly effective and authentic, bringing a true taste of Rome into their kitchens. The bonus Tiramisu recipe is also a welcome addition.
Fausto's passion makes learning fun.
"Fausto's passion is contagious, it really motivated me."
"He explains things in a very simple and clear way."
"The instructor's energy made the videos enjoyable."
"Fausto feels like a friend teaching you in his kitchen."
Clear, simple steps make cooking easy.
"Fausto makes it so simple, I didn't feel intimidated at all."
"The instructions were very clear and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the breakdown into simple steps."
"Even as a beginner, I could easily follow along."
Learn classic dishes straight from Rome.
"These are the real deals, exactly like I had in Rome!"
"I've tried other recipes, but this felt truly authentic."
"Finally learned to make Carbonara the right way."
"My guests were so impressed with how genuine the taste was."
Dishes turn out delicious.
"The Carbonara came out perfect and tasted amazing!"
"My family loved the Amatriciana, it was so flavorful."
"The Cacio e Pepe was creamy and delicious."
"I couldn't believe I made something that tasted this good at home."
Some minor issues with video presentation.
"Video quality could be improved, sometimes hard to see details."
"Lighting wasn't always ideal in the videos."
"Some camera angles weren't perfect for seeing the technique clearly."
"While the content is great, the video production is basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Italian cooking. Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe and .. with these activities:
Review Basic Pasta Techniques
Refamiliarize yourself with fundamental pasta cooking techniques to ensure a solid foundation before learning specific Roman dishes.
Browse courses on Pasta
Show steps
  • Watch videos on boiling pasta correctly.
  • Practice cooking pasta to al dente.
  • Review different pasta shapes and their uses.
Read 'Mastering Pasta' by Marc Vetri
Gain a deeper understanding of pasta making to appreciate the nuances of Roman pasta dishes.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and chapters on basic pasta doughs.
  • Experiment with making one or two pasta shapes from scratch.
  • Reflect on how fresh pasta differs from dried pasta.
Document your cooking journey
Document your attempts at cooking each dish, noting challenges and successes, to reinforce learning and track progress.
Show steps
  • Take photos or videos of each dish you prepare.
  • Write a short description of the cooking process and the results.
  • Share your experiences on social media or a personal blog.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Perfect the 'Cacio e Pepe' Technique
Master the emulsification technique crucial for Cacio e Pepe through repeated practice.
Show steps
  • Cook pasta and reserve pasta water.
  • Grate pecorino romano cheese finely.
  • Toast black peppercorns and grind them coarsely.
  • Combine cheese, pepper, and pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
  • Toss pasta in the sauce until emulsified.
Explore 'The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking' by Marcella Hazan
Gain a broader understanding of Italian cooking principles to enhance your appreciation of Roman cuisine.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on basic sauces and pasta dishes.
  • Compare Hazan's approach to the recipes taught in the course.
  • Experiment with adapting Hazan's techniques to the Roman dishes.
Host a Roman-themed dinner party
Apply your newly acquired skills by preparing a complete Roman meal for friends or family.
Show steps
  • Plan a menu featuring the dishes learned in the course.
  • Prepare the dishes and set the table.
  • Enjoy the meal with your guests and gather feedback.
Share your knowledge
Help other students by answering questions and sharing your experiences.
Show steps
  • Participate in online forums or discussion groups.
  • Offer tips and advice to other students.
  • Share your own cooking experiences and photos.

Career center

Learners who complete Italian cooking. Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe and .. will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chef
A chef creates menus, prepares meals, and manages kitchen staff, and this course may be useful for those looking to specialize in Roman cuisine, including Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, Gricia, and Carbonara. The course focuses on simple, clear instruction and is based on the methods of a real Italian grandmother. This approach helps build a foundation for understanding traditional cooking techniques, potentially leading to a role as a chef at an Italian restaurant or a related business. This course may be especially useful for aspiring chefs due to the focus on preparing dishes that a chef might feature on a menu.
Personal Chef
A personal chef prepares meals for individual clients, and this course helps build skills for those who want to prepare delicious Italian dishes in a client's home. The course provides direct, clear instruction in preparing Roman classics, which is necessary for a personal chef. The course teaches recipes that can be prepared quickly, which is ideal for a personal chef. The course can help a personal chef improve their skills when preparing Roman dishes for clients.
Food Blogger
A food blogger creates content about food and cooking, such as recipes and restaurant reviews, and this course can help those who want to focus on Italian cuisine. The course’s emphasis on practical, traditional cooking methods for iconic dishes like Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, Gricia, and Carbonara can provide a blogger with reliable content. The course is taught by an experienced Italian chef, adding credibility to recipes and cooking instructions. Those aiming to specialize in Roman or Italian cooking may find this course very helpful.
Culinary Instructor
A culinary instructor teaches cooking to others, and this course may be useful for those who want to teach Italian cooking. The course provides clear and simple instructions, which is helpful when teaching others. The course covers popular Roman dishes, which are suitable for a variety of different students. The course may be particularly useful to culinary instructors due to its clarity and focus on Italian cooking.
Restaurant Owner
A restaurant owner manages all aspects of a restaurant, from finances to staff to menu creation, and this course can help those interested in opening an Italian restaurant. The course offers a traditional approach to cooking classic Roman dishes exactly as they have been prepared for decades, which can be excellent for a restaurant owner to use for inspiration. Further, the course shares techniques used in 25 established restaurants. The course may be particularly helpful for restaurant owners looking to bring an authentic Roman flavor to their restaurant.
Recipe Developer
A recipe developer creates and tests recipes for publication, and this course may help someone interested in developing recipes for Roman cuisine. The course provides the basic framework for classic Roman recipes, which is useful for a recipe developer. The course gives a clear understanding of the traditional methods of Italian cooking, which can serve as inspiration for new ideas and variations for dishes, which a recipe developer needs to do. The course may be very helpful for those who want to create recipes in Italian cuisine.
Sous Chef
A sous chef assists the head chef in managing kitchen operations and creating dishes, and this course can help someone aiming to work in an Italian kitchen. The course teaches classic Roman dishes using a traditional method and can help a sous chef develop an understanding of these dishes. The course emphasizes simplicity in preparation, which is useful in a busy kitchen environment. The course may be particularly helpful for those who want to become a sous chef at an Italian restaurant.
Food Writer
A food writer creates content about food for publications, and this course may be helpful for those focusing on Roman cuisine. The course provides detailed explanations of classic Roman dishes, which is helpful information when describing food for publications. The course captures an authentic approach to preparing Italian dishes which is a helpful perspective when producing food writing. The course may be useful for food writers wanting to enhance their knowledge of Italian cooking.
Test Kitchen Chef
A test kitchen chef develops and tests recipes, and this course may help a person who wants to work with classic Roman dishes. The course teaches the foundational techniques for key dishes, which is useful for a chef who needs to rigorously test recipes. The course provides clear instructions, which may be useful when creating and testing recipes. The course may be useful to a test kitchen chef who wishes to improve their knowledge of Italian cooking.
Caterer
A caterer prepares food for events, and this course may be useful for those who wish to specialize in Italian cuisine. The course focuses on simple recipes that can be prepared relatively quickly, which is helpful for catering. The course teaches how to prepare Roman dishes as well as tiramisu, a combination which is suitable for many types of events. The course may be useful for a caterer because it focuses on dishes that are impressive yet not overly complex.
Kitchen Manager
A kitchen manager oversees the daily operations of a kitchen, and this course may be helpful for those who want to manage a kitchen in an Italian restaurant. The course provides an understanding of how classic Roman dishes are prepared, which may be useful in supervising staff who create these dishes. The course’s emphasis on clear and simple techniques can be helpful in providing team training. This course may be useful to any kitchen manager looking to improve their understanding of Italian cuisine.
Food Consultant
A food consultant provides expert advice to businesses in the food industry, and this course may help those wishing to specialize in Italian cuisine. The course provides detailed instructions on preparing authentic pasta dishes from Rome, which can be useful when advising restaurants or food companies about Italian cuisine. The course is based on the knowledge of an experienced Italian chef, which provides a solid foundation for consulting engagements. This course may be helpful for food consultants looking to specialize in Roman dishes.
Food Stylist
A food stylist arranges food for photography and video, and this course may help those who want to focus on Italian cuisine. The course emphasizes that dishes should be delicious and not perfect, which helps the food stylist capture and arrange food in a natural style. The course provides an understanding of how Roman cuisine is meant to be presented, which will be useful when styling it for media. The course may be beneficial to a food stylist looking to improve their knowledge of Italian food.
Food Photographer
A food photographer takes pictures of food for various media and this course could be useful to those looking to specialize in Roman cuisine. The course itself emphasizes that food does not have to be photogenic to be good, and this idea could help a photographer capture the essence of Italian food. The course, by showing how Italian food is typically prepared, can be helpful for someone trying to capture dishes in a natural way. The course may be helpful for a food photographer who wants to develop an understanding of how Italian food is meant to be presented.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist advises people on healthy eating and meal planning, and this course may be helpful for those who want to specialize in Italian cuisine. The course offers the opportunity to learn about an authentic approach to Italian cooking, which can provide a reference point when making nutritional recommendations. The course focuses on classic dishes, which can help a nutritionist understand the nutritional profile of a particular cuisine. The course may be useful to nutritionists who want to improve their knowledge of Italian food.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Italian cooking. Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe and ...
Provides a comprehensive guide to making pasta from scratch, which can enhance your understanding of pasta textures and flavors. While the course focuses on specific Roman dishes using dried pasta, understanding the fundamentals of pasta making will give you a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and techniques involved. It valuable resource for those who want to take their pasta skills to the next level. This book is commonly used by culinary students and professional chefs.
Comprehensive guide to Italian cooking, providing a solid foundation in essential techniques and ingredients. While it may not focus specifically on Roman cuisine, it offers valuable insights into Italian culinary principles that can enhance your understanding of the dishes taught in the course. It useful reference for understanding the broader context of Italian cooking. This book is commonly used as a textbook in culinary schools.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser