Ep 20. A Winter Garden

Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 20, titled "A Winter Garden," showcases renowned chef Lidia Bastianich as she continues to explore the flavors and culinary traditions of Italy. In this episode, Lidia takes viewers on a journey through a winter garden, exploring the fresh produce that is available during the colder months and sharing recipes that celebrate the seasonal ingredients.

Throughout the episode, Lidia showcases a variety of vegetables and herbs that can thrive in winter weather. She highlights the versatility of squash, showcasing its use in a flavorful vegetable soup, and demonstrates how to properly clean and prepare kale for a salad. She also offers tips and tricks for growing herbs indoors during the colder months, ensuring that even those without access to an outdoor garden can still enjoy fresh flavors year-round.

One of the standout recipes of the episode is Lidia's roasted root vegetable dish, which features a colorful array of winter vegetables including sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. The vegetables are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary before being roasted to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and healthy.

Another recipe that is sure to delight viewers is Lidia's homemade ricotta cheese. Using just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, Lidia demonstrates how easy it can be to create this delicious cheese at home. She notes that it can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta dishes to desserts, and encourages viewers to experiment with their own flavor combinations.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in her cooking. She explains that by selecting produce that is in season, she is able to create dishes that are both delicious and sustainable. She also emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers and shopping at farmer's markets, noting that doing so helps to strengthen local food systems and support small businesses.

Overall, Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 20 offers viewers a glimpse into the flavors and traditions of Italy during the winter season. From hearty vegetable soups to flavorful roasted root vegetables, Lidia showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into delicious and satisfying meals. Whether viewers are experienced cooks or just getting started in the kitchen, they are sure to find inspiration and ideas in this episode of Lidia's Kitchen.