Ep 17. Vegetable Favorites

Lidia's Kitchen season 4 episode 17 titled "Vegetable Favorites" is a must-watch for anyone looking to add some variety to their vegetarian cuisine. Lidia Bastianich, the host of the show, shares some of her favorite vegetable recipes that she has perfected over the years, and they are sure to impress.

In this episode, Lidia starts by making a simple yet delicious dish of roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and lemon. She shows us how roasting the sprouts in a hot oven with a little bit of olive oil and salt intensifies their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness. The addition of garlic and lemon zest gives the dish a fresh and zesty flavor, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes.

Next, Lidia whips up a classic Italian dish called Farro Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Feta Cheese. Farro is a type of grain that has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries, and Lidia shows us how easy it is to cook. She combines the cooked farro with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, and then dresses the whole thing with a tangy lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for a summer picnic or as a light lunch.

Lidia also shares her recipe for zucchini fritters, which are crispy, golden brown patties made with grated zucchini, eggs, and flour. She adds some Parmesan cheese and herbs to give the fritters extra flavor, and then serves them with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

For a heartier dish, Lidia makes a savory mushroom and spinach lasagna. She uses no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the recipe, and layers them with a mixture of cooked mushrooms and spinach, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce. The whole thing gets baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, and the result is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian lasagna that is equally good as leftovers.

Last but not least, Lidia shares her recipe for a rustic vegetable soup that is loaded with seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. She simmers the vegetables in a flavorful broth until they are tender, and then adds some cooked cannellini beans for protein. The soup is finished with a handful of fresh herbs, and it's a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for chilly nights.

Overall, Lidia's Kitchen season 4 episode 17 is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to expand their vegetarian cooking repertoire. Her recipes are easy to follow, full of flavor, and showcase the natural beauty and deliciousness of vegetables.