Ep 4. Garlic and Onion Steal the Show

In Lidia's Kitchen season 2 episode 4 titled "Garlic and Onion Steal the Show," renowned chef Lidia Bastianich showcases how garlic and onion can be the stars of any dish. The episode opens with Lidia explaining the importance of these two ingredients in Italian cuisine and how they are a foundation for many recipes.

The first dish demonstrated is a classic Italian pizza with a garlic and olive oil base. Lidia shows how to create the perfect dough and how a simple topping of garlic and oil can elevate the flavor. Next, she prepares a flavorful onion soup that is perfect for chilly days. Her secret is to caramelize the onions slowly until they are browned and sweet.

Moving on to other dishes, Lidia prepares a hearty pasta dish called the Pomodoro e Cipolla. It is a tomato sauce-based pasta with onions that have been sautéed until golden brown and sweetened with a little bit of sugar. The dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Lidia also demonstrates how garlic can be used in several different ways to enhance the flavors of a dish. She shows how to make a garlic paste with a mortar and pestle in one dish, and how to roast whole garlic bulbs in another. Lidia then uses this roasted garlic in a salad dressing that is a great accompaniment to a roasted chicken dish.

Continuing with the poultry theme, Lidia cooks a garlic and onion braised chicken that is bursting with flavors. She shows how to brown the chicken pieces before making the sauce with garlic and onions, and then braising the chicken in it until it becomes tender and juicy.

The episode ends with Lidia making a garlic-infused olive oil and demonstrating how to use it in different dishes, such as drizzling it over grilled vegetables or using it as a dip for bread.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using good quality garlic and onions, and how they can be the key to making a dish truly delicious. She also shares tips and tricks on how to chop, slice or mince garlic, and how to remove the pesky skin from an onion without shedding tears.

Overall, "Garlic and Onion Steal the Show" is a great episode for anyone looking to learn more about Italian cuisine and how to incorporate these two flavorful ingredients into everyday cooking. With Lidia's easy-to-follow recipes and tips, viewers are sure to be inspired to try their hand at creating their own delicious garlic and onion dishes.