Ep 8. Symphony of Pastas

Lidia's Kitchen season 2 episode 8, Symphony of Pastas, is a delectable pasta-focused episode that explores Lidia Bastianich's love and creativity when it comes to one of Italy's most beloved dishes.

The episode starts off with Lidia making her signature dish – spaghetti alla carbonara. She takes us through the process of making the perfect pasta for this Roman classic, from boiling the pasta to making the creamy sauce using eggs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek).

Next up, Lidia gets innovative with a Venetian-inspired dish, spaghetti with dried cod fish and pine nuts. She starts by soaking salted dried cod in water for a day, then gently simmers it to create a flavorful broth. Lidia adds toasted pine nuts, raisins, and chili flakes to the dish, adding a touch of sweetness and heat to the savory flavors.

For a more modern twist, Lidia shows us how to make orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausages. In this recipe, she swaps out traditional pork for turkey sausages while still keeping the classic Italian flavors intact. She also demonstrates how to blanch broccolini, adding it to the dish with vibrant cherry tomatoes and garlic for an extra pop of color.

Moving on to a classic Southern Italian dish, Lidia prepares paccheri alla sorrentina. She explains how the dish gets its name from the Sorrento coast, where the pasta is typically made. To make it, Lidia blends San Marzano tomatoes with garlic, salt, and olive oil to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce. She tops it off with mozzarella and fresh basil, cooked to perfection in the oven for a delicious cheesy crust.

Finally, Lidia's last pasta dish of the episode is a unique one –Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Caviar. For this recipe, she pairs cold-smoked salmon with a rich, creamy sauce made of heavy cream, shallots, and vodka. To finish it off, Lidia adds a dollop of caviar for a decadent touch.

Throughout the episode, Lidia's love and passion for pasta are evident, as is her desire to experiment and showcase the vast versatility of this much-loved Italian staple. Her recipes range from traditional and classic to innovative and exciting, making for a pasta party that is sure to impress any foodie.