Ep 19. My Favorite Braises

Lidia's Kitchen season 4 episode 19, titled "My Favorite Braises," showcases Lidia's love for slow-cooked, flavorful braises. In this episode, she demonstrates her go-to braising technique for various meats and vegetables.

First up, Lidia creates a classic Italian dish, Osso Buco, which translates to "bone with a hole." She uses veal shanks and simmers them with onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and white wine until they are tender and falling off the bone. Lidia serves the Osso Buco with a side of gremolata, a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, and parsley that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Next, Lidia prepares a lamb shank braise with artichokes and potatoes. She sears the lamb shanks to create a caramelized crust, then adds them to a pot with sautéed onions and garlic, as well as artichokes and potatoes. Lidia pours in red wine and chicken broth and lets the braise cook low and slow until the lamb is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Lidia also shares her recipe for Chicken Cacciatore, a beloved Italian comfort food. She uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and sears them until golden brown. The chicken is then removed from the pan, and Lidia adds onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the same pan, along with tomatoes, garlic, and red wine. The dish is braised until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Finally, Lidia demonstrates how to braise vegetables by making a dish of Braised Leeks in Tomato Sauce. She simmers cleaned and trimmed leeks with garlic, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper in a simple tomato sauce until they are tender and infused with flavor.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of taking your time when braising. She stresses the importance of allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes that are perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.

"My Favorite Braises" is a must-watch for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and wants to learn more about the art of braising. Lidia's expert techniques and tips make it easy for home cooks to recreate these delicious dishes in their own kitchens.