Ep 10. Eggplant and Tuna Alla Siciliana

In season 2 episode 10 of Lidia's Italy, titled "Eggplant and Tuna Alla Siciliana," Lidia travels to the beautiful island of Sicily. Sicily is known for its fresh seafood and delicious eggplants. The episode begins with Lidia visiting a local market where she meets a fisherman who catches the freshest fish in the sea.

Lidia is inspired to make an eggplant and tuna dish, a popular Sicilian recipe. She heads to a local restaurant to learn how to make the dish from the experts. The chef shows her how to prepare the eggplant by slicing it thinly and then frying it in olive oil until crispy. Next, Lidia learns how to make the tuna sauce. The chef starts by sautéing onions in olive oil before adding capers, olives, and fresh tomatoes. Finally, he adds the fresh tuna, which he sears in a pan until it's cooked through.

Lidia heads back to her own kitchen to put her spin on the dish. She decides to add a little bit of sweetness by including golden raisins in the tuna sauce. She also adds a bit of acidity by including a splash of white wine. Once the eggplant is crispy and the sauce is cooked, Lidia begins plating the dish. She starts by placing the eggplant on the bottom of the plate and then tops it with the tuna sauce. To finish it off, she adds a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

After the dish is complete, Lidia heads to a local winery to learn more about the wine produced on the island. The winery owner takes her on a tour of the vineyards, showcasing the different types of grapes that are used to make the wine. Lidia then joins the owner inside for a tasting of the winery's different vintages.

The episode ends with Lidia enjoying a glass of wine and reflecting on her time in Sicily. She notes how the island's cuisine and culture have been heavily influenced by its geographic location, with influences from Africa and the Middle East in addition to Italy. Lidia encourages viewers to try cooking with eggplants and fresh seafood, as they are affordable and accessible ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes.