Ep 20. The Tomato

Lidia's Kitchen is a cooking show hosted by Lidia Bastianich, an Italian-American celebrity chef and restaurateur. The show emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and demonstrates how to prepare simple yet delicious Italian dishes.

In season 4 episode 20, titled "The Tomato," Lidia focuses on the versatility and deliciousness of one of the most beloved summer fruits: the tomato.

The episode begins with Lidia discussing the different varieties of tomatoes and how to choose the best ones at the farmers' market or grocery store. She explains that the best tomatoes are ripe, firm but not too hard, and have a bright, vibrant color. Lidia also recommends using heirloom tomatoes, which come in a variety of colors and sizes and have a complex, unique flavor.

Lidia then demonstrates several recipes that showcase the tomato's flavor and texture. She starts with a simple dish of sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and basil, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The dish highlights the tomato's sweetness and acidity, complemented by the creamy cheese and fragrant herbs.

Next, Lidia prepares a tomato and bread salad, known as panzanella in Italian cuisine. She shows how to use stale bread to create a delicious, filling dish that combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red onions, and fragrant basil. She tosses everything together with a homemade vinaigrette and lets the bread soak up the juices, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for a hot summer day.

Lidia then moves on to more complex dishes, demonstrating how to make a tomato sauce from scratch. She explains that using canned tomatoes can be just as delicious as using fresh ones, especially if you choose high-quality canned tomatoes. She shows how to create a tomato and sausage ragù, using sweet and spicy Italian sausages and canned San Marzano tomatoes. She simmers the sauce for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to break down into a rich, savory sauce that's perfect for pasta or polenta.

Finally, Lidia makes a tomato and eggplant gratin, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted eggplant with the tangy acidity of tomatoes and the creaminess of ricotta cheese. She assembles the gratin in a baking dish, layering the eggplant and tomato slices with ricotta and Parmesan cheese, and bakes it until golden and bubbly.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and experimenting with different flavors and textures. She shows that tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple salads to complex sauces and casseroles, and that their versatility and deliciousness make them a must-have ingredient in any kitchen.

Overall, "The Tomato" is a delicious and informative episode that celebrates one of the most beloved summer fruits and showcases Lidia's talent for creating simple, flavorful Italian dishes.