Ep 5. Italian Made Easy

In Cook's Country season 6 episode 5, titled "Italian Made Easy," the team takes on the challenge of making Italian dishes that are simple to prepare, don't require rare ingredients, and are perfect for weeknight dinners. With Italian cuisine known for its complexity and range of flavors, this episode focuses on making dishes that are approachable even for novice cooks.

The show's host, Bridget Lancaster, starts by demonstrating how to make chicken saltimbocca, a popular Italian dish that is traditionally prepared with veal. She swaps out the veal for boneless chicken cutlets, which are more readily available at local grocery stores. The dish is made by layering prosciutto, sage leaves, and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken cutlets and then pan-frying them until crispy and golden brown. The final step is to add a simple white wine and butter sauce, which brings the dish together.

To complement the meat dish, Julia Collin Davison, the show's other host, prepares a classic Italian side dish: roasted garlic mashed potatoes. She boils the potatoes until they are tender and then mashes them with butter, milk, and roasted garlic cloves. The result is a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken saltimbocca.

Next up is a recipe for quick tomato sauce, which can be used for a variety of Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza. The sauce is made with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. The mixture is simmered for about 20 minutes until it thickens and develops a deep, rich flavor. The hosts note that the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

The next recipe on the menu is for oven-baked risotto. Unlike traditional stovetop risotto, which requires constant stirring, this recipe allows for the risotto to be baked in the oven, simplifying the cooking process. The risotto is made with Arborio rice, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and sautéed onions and garlic. The mixture is baked in the oven for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To finish off the Italian-inspired menu, the hosts prepare a dessert called zeppole, which is a type of Italian doughnut. The zeppole are made by mixing flour, sugar, and baking powder with water and then frying the dough in hot oil until it is crispy and gold. The doughnuts are then dusted with powdered sugar and served warm with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The hosts note that the dessert is quick and easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves sweets.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share tips and tricks for making Italian cuisine more approachable, such as using canned tomatoes instead of fresh, swapping out veal for chicken, and simplifying the risotto cooking process. They also emphasize the importance of using quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and good-quality Parmesan cheese, to achieve the most authentic flavors.

Overall, "Italian Made Easy" is a delicious and approachable episode that proves that making authentic Italian dishes doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. The show's hosts provide clear instructions and useful tips that even novice cooks can follow, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.