Ep 1. Italian American Classics

In Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 1, titled "Italian American Classics," renowned Italian-American cook, Lidia Bastianich, takes viewers on a culinary journey through some of the most iconic Italian-American dishes.

The episode begins with Lidia preparing a classic antipasto platter, featuring artisanal cured meats, fresh cheese, and marinated vegetables. She explains the history behind this popular starter course, which traces its roots back to Italy but has been adapted and improved upon by Italian immigrants to the United States.

Next, Lidia turns her attention to one of the most beloved Italian-American dishes of all time: spaghetti and meatballs. She shares her family recipe for meatballs, which includes a blend of beef and pork, as well as breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. She also explains the secret to making perfectly al dente spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce.

The third dish Lidia tackles is chicken cacciatore, a rustic one-pot meal that originated in Tuscany but has become a staple on Italian-American dinner tables. She demonstrates how to brown the chicken to achieve a crispy skin, then simmers it with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and white wine for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For dessert, Lidia makes another Italian-American classic: cannoli. She shows viewers how to make the crispy pastry shells from scratch, then fills them with a sweetened ricotta cheese mixture and chocolate chips. She also shares a variation on the traditional cannoli, using pistachios for a nutty crunch.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and simple techniques to create delicious and authentic Italian-American cuisine. Her passion and expertise shine through as she shares stories about her upbringing and family traditions, making viewers feel like they are right in her kitchen with her.

In addition to the recipes themselves, Lidia also includes helpful tips and tricks for home cooks, such as how to properly chop vegetables and how to season meatballs. She also encourages viewers to experiment with flavors and techniques in their own cooking, to create their own unique takes on classic Italian-American dishes.

Overall, "Italian American Classics" is a mouth-watering episode of Lidia's Kitchen that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italian-Americans. Whether viewers are seasoned home cooks or new to the kitchen, they are sure to be inspired by Lidia's creations and her infectious enthusiasm for cooking.