Ep 7. Eggs - All Different Ways

In the fourth season of Lidia Bastianich's cooking show, Lidia's Kitchen, episode seven focuses on one versatile ingredient: eggs. Lidia showcases a variety of ways to prepare this kitchen staple throughout the episode, highlighting both classic techniques and new twists on old favorites.

The episode starts with Lidia making a simple frittata with spinach and potato. She emphasizes the importance of starting the dish on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven to give the eggs a fluffy, light texture. Next, she moves on to a more complex savory strata packed with sausage, cheese, and vegetables. This baked dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepped ahead of time for easy entertaining.

Lidia then switches gears to showcase egg dishes from around the world. She starts with a hearty huevos rancheros, a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring fried eggs atop a tortilla and smothered in spicy tomato sauce. Next up is shakshuka, a popular Middle Eastern dish that combines eggs with a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. Lidia's version of this dish incorporates both feta and parmesan cheese for added richness.

The episode then turns to baking, with Lidia whipping up a beautiful, golden quiche filled with leeks and pancetta. She notes that pre-baking the crust is key to preventing the filling from making the pastry soggy. Lastly, Lidia showcases a sweet option with her Italian-style baked custard, or budino. This dessert is easy to make and pairs well with fresh fruit.

Throughout the episode, Lidia stresses the versatility of eggs and encourages viewers to experiment with different flavor combinations and techniques. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and her recipes are both accessible and adaptable to a variety of cooking skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this episode of Lidia's Kitchen is sure to inspire you to try something new with this everyday ingredient.