Ep 3. Comfort Food

In season 1, episode 3 of Everyday Italian, titled "Comfort Food," host Giada De Laurentiis shares her favorite recipes for dishes that are perfect for cozy nights in. From classic pasta dishes to hearty soups and stews, Giada's comfort food creations are sure to warm the soul.

The episode begins with Giada making her version of a classic Italian dish, spaghetti and meatballs. She starts by making the meatballs from scratch, using a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal. She then simmers them in a tomato sauce flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs. Giada serves the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

Next up, Giada prepares a comforting soup that's perfect for cold weather. Her lentil soup is made with bacon, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, along with green lentils and chicken broth. Giada lets the soup simmer for an hour so that the lentils become tender and the flavors blend together. She serves the soup with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil.

For a heartier meal, Giada makes a dish that's traditionally served on Sundays in Italy – osso buco. This dish features braised veal shanks cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Giada serves the osso buco over creamy polenta for a comforting combination of flavors and textures.

Giada also shares her recipe for a classic Italian pasta dish, rigatoni alla vodka. She starts by cooking the rigatoni until it's al dente, then tosses it with a sauce made from tomato puree, cream, and – of course – vodka. The sauce simmers for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together, before being tossed with the pasta. Giada tops the dish with freshly grated pecorino romano cheese.

Finally, Giada demonstrates how to make a simple yet delicious dessert – panna cotta. This Italian dessert combines cream, sugar, and vanilla to create a silky-smooth custard that's set with gelatin. Giada serves her panna cotta with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, making it the perfect end to a comforting meal.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips and tricks for making these dishes at home, as well as stories about her family and Italian heritage. Whether you're looking for a simple yet satisfying pasta dish or a hearty bowl of soup, Giada's comfort food recipes are sure to please.