Ep 13. Heartwarming Comfort Foods

In Lidia's Kitchen season 2 episode 13, titled "Heartwarming Comfort Foods," Lidia Bastianich shares recipes for some of her favorite dishes that offer comfort and warmth on cold, dreary days. Throughout the episode, Lidia prepares classic dishes from her Italian heritage that are sure to satisfy any craving for hearty and comforting meals.

The episode starts with Lidia preparing a pot of hearty Italian minestrone soup. She explains the importance of using fresh vegetables and herbs to give the soup a hearty and savory flavor. Lidia also adds small pasta shells to the soup and garnishes it with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Next, Lidia shares her recipe for creamy and delicious chicken and mushroom risotto. She starts by sautéing onions and mushrooms before adding Arborio rice to the pot. She then slowly adds chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and the risotto is creamy. Lidia finishes the dish by adding shredded chicken and chopped parsley before serving.

For a classic Italian comfort food, Lidia prepares a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. She shares her recipe for making homemade meatballs, which includes ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Lidia then makes a simple tomato sauce by cooking onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes together before adding the meatballs and letting them simmer in the sauce.

Lidia also prepares a dish called "chicken scarpariello," which is made with chicken thighs, sausages, peppers, and potatoes. She starts by browning the chicken and sausages in a large skillet before adding sliced onions and peppers. She then adds potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet and lets everything simmer together until it's cooked through.

Finally, Lidia prepares a dessert that's perfect for any chocolate lover: chocolate panna cotta. She starts by heating milk and cream in a saucepan before adding chopped chocolate and sugar. Once the chocolate is melted and the sugar is dissolved, Lidia adds gelatin and stirs until it's completely dissolved. She then pours the mixture into ramekins and lets them set in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for making each dish, as well as stories about her childhood and Italian heritage. With delicious recipes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, "Heartwarming Comfort Foods" is sure to leave viewers feeling cozy and satisfied.