Ep 7. Two Tasty Pastas, Puglia-Style

Lidia's Italy season 1 episode 7 titled "Two Tasty Pastas, Puglia-Style" is an exploration of the culinary treasures of the beautiful southern Italian region of Puglia. In this episode, Lidia Bastianich showcases two traditional pasta dishes of the region, Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa and Cavatelli with Chard and Sausage.

The episode starts with Lidia taking a stroll through the picturesque town of Bari in Puglia, where she stops at a local market to purchase fresh produce and ingredients for her pasta dishes. Lidia explains that Puglia is known for its simple yet delicious cuisine, which relies heavily on fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

Back in the kitchen, Lidia prepares her first pasta dish, Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa, which translates to "little ears" pasta with broccoli rabe. This dish is a staple in Puglia and is made with a bitter green leaf vegetable called broccoli rabe, garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies. Lidia demonstrates step by step how to make the pasta and the sauce, giving useful tips on how to cook and season the dish perfectly.

Next up is Cavatelli with Chard and Sausage, another hearty and satisfying pasta dish from Puglia. Cavatelli are small pasta shells that resemble little hotdog buns, which are made from semolina flour and water. Lidia prepares the pasta from scratch, showing viewers how to shape the dough using a simple fork technique. For the sauce, Lidia uses chard, a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is slightly sweeter than spinach, and pairs it with Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes. Lidia emphasizes the importance of seasoning the sauce well, highlighting how tomato-based sauces require a generous amount of salt and sugar to balance out the acidity.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares fascinating insights into Puglia's history, culture, and culinary traditions, offering viewers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Southern Italy. From the region's ancient olive groves to its stunning coastline, Lidia showcases the beauty of Puglia and demonstrates how its food is an essential part of its identity. She also shares personal anecdotes and memories from her childhood in Italy, reminiscing about the Sunday family meals she enjoyed growing up.

Overall, Two Tasty Pastas, Puglia-Style is a mouthwatering and informative episode that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of one of Italy's most vibrant regions. Lidia's passion for food and culture shines through as she shares her love of Puglian cuisine with viewers, inspiring them to try their hand at these delicious pasta dishes.