Ep 11. Soups and Stews

Giada De Laurentiis is back in the kitchen to whip up some warming comfort foods on Everyday Italian season 4 episode 11 titled Soups and Stews. This episode showcases some of Giada's most cherished recipes for soups and stews that are perfect for any time of the year, whether it's a chilly autumn evening or a cold winter day. The episode begins with Giada preparing her crowd-pleasing hearty minestrone soup.

Giada starts by sautéing some onions, carrots, and celery in a pot until they're soft and aromatic. She then adds in some canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and a medley of vegetables like zucchini, green beans, and potatoes. Next, she tosses in some cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese to make the soup even more flavorful. Giada also shares some helpful tips about how to adjust the seasoning of the minestrone soup depending on your personal taste and preference.

The next recipe on the menu is a savory beef-and-barley stew that's perfect for a cozy night in. Giada starts by browning some beef cubes in a Dutch oven, then adds in some onions, garlic, and carrots. She then stirs in beef broth, canned tomatoes, and barley to give the stew a thick, hearty consistency. Giada seasons the stew with some rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves and lets the whole mixture simmer on low heat for a few hours until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

For those looking for a lighter option, Giada also prepares a creamy tomato soup that's quick and easy to make. She starts by sautéing some onions and garlic, then adds in some canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and a dash of heavy cream to give the soup a velvety texture. Giada finishes off the soup with a sprinkling of fresh basil and a few shavings of Parmesan cheese.

Next up is a classic Italian soup that's full of flavor: pasta e fagioli. Giada begins by cooking up some pancetta, onions, and garlic in a pot, then adds in some chicken broth, cannellini beans, and canned tomatoes. She also throws in some pasta and cooks it until it's al dente. Giada finishes off the soup by seasoning it with some fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

For the final recipe of the episode, Giada shares her take on a classic French dish: Coq au Vin. She starts by browning some chicken thighs in a Dutch oven, then adds in some onions, carrots, and garlic. Giada then pours in some red wine, chicken broth, and a bouquet garni made from thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. She lets the whole mixture cook on low heat for a few hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Giada concludes the episode by offering tips on how to store and reheat these soups and stews for future meals. The recipes demonstrated in this episode are perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, and are sure to become favorites in any home cook's recipe collection.