![Lidia's Kitchen Season 4 Episode 22](https:/images/tv/35932/poster-180x270.jpg)
Ep 22. Olive Oil
- TV-G
- March 4, 2017
- 25 min
In season 4 episode 22 of "Lidia's Kitchen," viewers join Lidia Bastianich as she explores the many uses of olive oil in Italian cuisine. Throughout the episode, Lidia shows viewers how olive oil can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
The episode begins with Lidia welcoming viewers into her kitchen and explaining the importance of olive oil in Italian cooking. She shares that olive oil is not only a delicious ingredient, but also a healthy one. Lidia goes on to explain that olive oil is a staple in Italian cuisine and is used in everything from dressings and marinades to sautéing and frying.
To demonstrate the versatility of olive oil, Lidia prepares an appetizer of marinated olives with herbs and orange zest. She starts by heating olive oil in a pan with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Once the oil is fragrant, she adds olives and orange zest and lets the flavors infuse for several minutes. The result is a tasty and aromatic dish that is perfect for serving as a starter or snack.
Next, Lidia moves on to a classic Italian pasta dish - spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and chili. She begins by cooking the spaghetti and reserving some of the pasta water. In a separate pan, she heats olive oil with garlic and chili flakes until the garlic is golden. She then adds the reserved pasta water and the cooked spaghetti to the pan and tosses everything together until it is well coated in the flavorful sauce. The dish is simple yet delicious and showcases how olive oil can take a basic pasta dish to the next level.
Moving onto the main course, Lidia prepares a dish of chicken thighs with olives, capers, and tomatoes. She starts by browning the chicken in olive oil, then adds onions, garlic, and chili flakes. Once the onions are soft, she adds chopped tomatoes, capers, and olives and simmers everything until the chicken is cooked through. The resulting dish is hearty and flavorful, with the olive oil adding depth to the sauce.
For dessert, Lidia makes a classic Italian treat - olive oil cake. She starts by whisking together eggs and sugar until they are frothy, then adds olive oil and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, she mixes together flour, baking powder, and salt before adding it to the wet ingredients. Lidia bakes the cake in the oven until it is golden brown and serves it with a dollop of whipped cream. The olive oil adds moisture and a subtle flavor to the cake, making it a unique and delicious dessert option.
Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for using olive oil in cooking, such as using it as a base for dressings or using a high-quality oil for drizzling over finished dishes. She also explains the differences between different types of olive oil, such as extra virgin and regular, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Overall, season 4 episode 22 of "Lidia's Kitchen" is a must-watch for anyone interested in Italian cooking or looking to learn more about using olive oil in their kitchen. Lidia's recipes and tips are informative and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The episode is a celebration of the many uses of one of Italy's most beloved ingredients and is sure to inspire viewers to incorporate olive oil into their own cooking.