Ep 14. Herbs and Spices

Lidia's Kitchen is a cooking show hosted by renowned chef Lidia Bastianich. In season 4 episode 14, titled "Herbs and Spices," Lidia explores the diverse world of herbs and spices and demonstrates how they can be used to add depth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

The episode begins with Lidia introducing viewers to a range of fresh and dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality herbs and spices and highlights the unique flavors and aromas that each one brings to a dish.

Next, Lidia prepares a classic Italian meat sauce, or ragù, using a blend of fresh herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and cinnamon. She explains how the combination of these ingredients creates a complex and rich flavor profile that is perfect for pasta dishes.

Moving onto seafood, Lidia prepares a simple yet flavorful shrimp and fennel dish using fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and dill. She demonstrates how the delicate flavor of the herbs can enhance the sweetness of the shrimp and the subtle licorice notes of the fennel.

For the main course, Lidia prepares a roast pork loin with aromatic herbs like sage, thyme, and garlic. She shows viewers how to create a flavorful marinade using olive oil, lemon zest, and a blend of dried herbs and spices such as fennel seeds, coriander, and red pepper flakes. The final result is a tender and juicy pork loin with a fragrant herbal crust.

To round out the episode, Lidia prepares a refreshing salad featuring crisp lettuce, crisp radishes, and flavorful herbs like tarragon and chives. She demonstrates how a simple vinaigrette made with mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil can complement the delicate flavors of the herbs and vegetables.

Throughout the episode, Lidia offers tips and tricks for incorporating herbs and spices into your cooking, from blending dried spices to create your own unique seasoning blends to using fresh herbs to add brightness and depth to your dishes. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for the power of herbs and spices and the many ways they can be used to elevate their cooking.