Ep 5. Modern Comfort Food: All Italian

In season 28 episode 5 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Modern Comfort Food: All Italian," host Ina Garten showcases her take on classic Italian dishes. Starting in her kitchen in East Hampton, Ina begins with a recipe for her Italian Wedding Soup, explaining how to create perfectly tender meatballs and flavorful broth.

Next up, Ina heads to Brooklyn to visit a top Italian deli and pick up some imported ingredients for her next dish: Vodka Rigatoni. In this segment, viewers get a glimpse of the bustling city streets and the delicious array of Italian groceries available in this culinary mecca.

Back in her own kitchen, Ina prepares a simple but elegant dish of Panzanella Salad with Tuna. She combines fresh vegetables with crispy bread and canned tuna, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette that is sure to impress any dinner guest.

Moving on to the main course, Ina shares her recipe for Sausage and Mushroom Lasagna, a hearty and comforting dish with layers of creamy ricotta, savory sausage, and earthy mushrooms. She provides helpful tips for assembling the lasagna and suggests making it ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Finally, it's time for dessert, and Ina prepares a classic Italian treat: Affogato. She brews strong espresso and serves it over scoops of vanilla ice cream, with crispy Amaretti cookies on the side for dipping.

Throughout the episode, Ina provides insight and inspiration for putting a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine, while still maintaining its comforting and hearty qualities. Her recipes are approachable and adaptable for any home cook, making this episode a must-watch for fans of Italian food and Barefoot Contessa alike.