Ep 4. Musseling My Way Through Puglia

In season one, episode four of "Lidia's Italy," titled "Musseling My Way Through Puglia," host Lidia Bastianich takes viewers on a culinary journey through the southern region of Puglia. With its stunning coastline and abundant seafood, Puglia is a region steeped in tradition and home to some of Italy's best-loved dishes.

Lidia begins her trip in the charming town of Polignano a Mare, known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque cliffside homes. Here, she meets with local fishermen and learns the secrets of their trade, before heading to a bustling seafood market to source the freshest ingredients for her recipes.

Next, Lidia travels to the historic city of Bari, where she discovers the region's famous orecchiette pasta. She joins a local nonna (grandmother) in her kitchen to make the traditional pasta by hand, and learns how it has been a staple of Pugliese cuisine for generations.

Back in Polignano a Mare, Lidia turns her attention to the star ingredient of the episode - mussels. Puglia is famous for its plump and flavorful mussels, which are a staple of its seafood-centric cuisine. Lidia shows viewers how to cook mussels in a variety of delicious ways, including in a simple tomato and garlic sauce, and in a fragrant broth with white wine and herbs.

As well as mussels, Lidia showcases other local seafood specialties, such as octopus and prawns. She also demonstrates how to make a classic Pugliese dish - tiella di riso, a hearty rice casserole with mussels, potatoes, and rice.

Throughout the episode, Lidia's enthusiasm for Pugliese cooking and culture shines through. She meets with locals and shares their stories, while providing viewers with a window into the sights, sounds, and flavors of this unique part of Italy.

"Musseling My Way Through Puglia" is a feast for the senses, offering viewers a tantalizing taste of Puglia's culinary traditions. Lidia's expert guidance ensures that even novice cooks can try their hand at these flavorful and satisfying dishes, while her infectious love for Italian culture is sure to inspire viewers to book their next trip to this beautiful region.