Ep 10. Italian American Favorites

In season 4 episode 10 of Lidia's Kitchen, titled "Italian American Favorites," Lidia Bastianich takes viewers on a journey through some of the classic Italian American dishes that have become beloved staples in households across the United States. From spaghetti and meatballs to chicken Parmesan, Lidia shows viewers how to make these dishes from scratch with simple, fresh ingredients.

In the first segment of the episode, Lidia prepares the all-time classic spaghetti and meatballs. She starts by mixing together ground beef, pork, and veal with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs to make the meatballs. While the meatballs bake in the oven, Lidia cooks the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. She then simmers tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil together to make a simple and flavorful tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with the meatballs and spaghetti.

Next up, Lidia demonstrates how to prepare chicken Parmesan, another Italian American favorite. She starts by pounding the chicken breasts until they are thin and even, then dips them in egg and bread crumbs before frying them in a pan until they are golden brown. Lidia then tops the chicken with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

In the final segment, Lidia shows viewers how to make a classic Italian American side dish: garlic bread. She starts by slicing a loaf of Italian bread in half lengthwise, then rubbing the cut side with a garlic clove before brushing it with olive oil. She then toasts the bread under the broiler until it is crispy and golden brown.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares stories of her childhood and her family's journey from Italy to the United States. She explains how these dishes have evolved over time and become a part of the fabric of Italian American culture.

Overall, "Italian American Favorites" is a warm and comforting episode that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italian American cuisine. Lidia's easy-to-follow recipes and approachable cooking style make these dishes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Whether viewers are looking to recreate childhood memories or simply enjoy a classic Italian American meal, this episode has something for everyone.