Ep 12. Italian Fusion

In the twelfth episode of season five of Everyday Italian, titled "Italian Fusion," host Giada De Laurentiis explores the concept of blending Italian cuisine with other international flavors and techniques. She begins by preparing a pasta dish that combines the traditional Italian flavors of basil and olive oil with Thai-inspired ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and crushed peanuts. Next, she takes on a classic French dish, ratatouille, and adds an Italian twist by serving it on top of polenta.

For the main course, Giada prepares a fusion dish that combines Italian and Korean flavors. She starts by marinating pork in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, then grills it and serves it alongside a salad of bok choy, radishes, and cilantro. To finish off the meal, Giada makes a dessert that's a fusion of Italian and South American flavors. She prepares a traditional Italian panna cotta, but serves it with a tropical sauce made of passionfruit and mango.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors and textures when creating fusion dishes. She encourages viewers to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, and to not be afraid to mix and match cuisines. As always, Giada's recipes are approachable and easy to follow, making this episode a great source of inspiration for anyone looking to add a touch of fusion to their Italian cooking.