Ep 6. Vegetarian Rome

In Lidia's Italy season 2 episode 6 titled "Vegetarian Rome," Lidia Bastianich explores the delicious and abundant vegetarian options found in the ancient city of Rome.

Lidia begins her journey at the Campo dei Fiori, one of Rome's oldest markets known for its fresh produce and vast selection of vegetables. She peruses the various stalls, picking out ingredients for the dishes she plans to prepare.

Her first stop is at a vegetarian restaurant called Ops! where she meets with the chef to learn about the unique and innovative dishes he creates using only vegetables. Lidia is impressed by the variety of flavors and textures he is able to achieve using only plant-based ingredients. She samples a few of his dishes, including a carrot "lox" and a delicious vegan zucchini carbonara.

Next, Lidia visits the Vatican to learn about the history of vegetarianism in Italy. She meets with a priest who explains that many Italians have been practicing a meatless lifestyle for centuries, often for religious or ethical reasons. Lidia reflects on the importance of understanding the cultural significance of vegetarianism in Italy.

Lidia then visits a traditional restaurant that specializes in meatless Roman cuisine. The chef explains to her that many classic Roman dishes are naturally vegetarian, such as cacio e pepe and amatriciana, which can be made without the traditional guanciale (pork cheek). Lidia is delighted to discover that even traditional Italian cuisine can accommodate a meat-free lifestyle.

Finally, Lidia invites some friends over to her apartment to cook a vegetarian feast inspired by her day in Rome. She prepares a flavorful eggplant Parmigiana, a hearty chickpea stew, and a refreshing orange and fennel salad. Her friends are impressed by the deliciousness of vegetarian cooking and amazed at the variety of dishes you can create without meat.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of embracing a plant-based lifestyle, not only for the health benefits but also for the positive impact it can have on the environment. She inspires viewers to try new and exciting vegetarian dishes and to appreciate the rich culinary history that Italy has to offer.