Ep 9. Ragu

Lidia's Kitchen season 4 episode 9 is entitled Ragu. In this episode, host Lidia Bastianich teaches viewers how to make a classic Italian dish -- ragu. Ragu is a slow-cooked meat sauce that is typically served with pasta. Lidia starts by browning some ground beef and pork in olive oil. She then adds onions, celery, and carrots to the pan and sautés them until they are tender. Next, Lidia adds some garlic, tomato paste, and a can of diced tomatoes to the pan, along with some chicken stock.

After everything is mixed together, Lidia seasons the sauce with salt and pepper and adds some fresh thyme and bay leaves. She lets the sauce simmer on the stove for several hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for making the perfect ragu, such as using a combination of different types of meat and incorporating different herbs and spices.

In addition to showing viewers how to make the ragu sauce, Lidia also demonstrates how to cook the perfect pasta to serve with the sauce. She stresses the importance of using a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until it is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, Lidia tops it with a generous ladleful of the ragu sauce and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Finally, Lidia shows viewers a few different ways to use up any leftover ragu. She suggests using it as a pizza topping, spreading it on a piece of bruschetta, or even stuffing it into a calzone. She also reminds viewers that ragu freezes well, so they can make a big batch and save some for later.

Overall, Lidia's Kitchen season 4 episode 9 is a must-watch for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. Lidia's step-by-step instructions and helpful tips make it easy for viewers to recreate this classic dish in their own kitchens.