Ep 23. Garden of Goodness

In the 23rd episode of the second season of Lidia's Kitchen, titled "Garden of Goodness," Lidia Bastianich showcases fresh and vibrant dishes that celebrate the goodness of vegetables from her garden. The episode begins with Lidia picking fresh vegetables and herbs from her backyard garden, including fennel, beets, lettuce, and dill.

The first recipe Lidia creates is a salad dish of roasted beet, fennel, and radicchio, dressed in a light vinaigrette made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. The beets are roasted until tender and then diced and combined with thinly sliced fennel and radicchio to create a colorful and flavorful salad.

Next up is a savory zucchini pie, which Lidia prepares with thinly sliced zucchini, garlic, and herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano. The filling is mixed with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta and then poured into a crust made of flour, butter, and egg. The pie is baked until golden brown and served hot.

For the main course, Lidia whips up a vegetable lasagna with layers of pasta, roasted tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The lasagna is baked in the oven until bubbly and golden, and then served hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

To finish off the meal, Lidia prepares a light and simple dessert of fresh berries tossed in a honey-lime dressing. The berries are served chilled, creating a refreshing and sweet finale to the meal.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh and seasonal produce in cooking to create dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. She also shares tips and techniques for selecting, storing, and preparing vegetables to maximize their flavor and nutritional value.

"Garden of Goodness" is a celebration of the bounty of summer vegetables and a reminder of the simple pleasures of cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether viewers are looking for new ideas for incorporating vegetables into their meals or simply looking for inspiration for their next backyard garden, this episode is sure to leave them feeling inspired and hungry for more.