Ep 21. Italian Style BBQ

Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 21 is titled "Italian Style BBQ" and centers around the concept of grilling Italian-style. Host Lidia Bastianich shares some of her favorite recipes for summer grilling, pairing meats with fresh herbs, vegetables, and even fruit for a unique and flavorful twist.

The episode begins with Lidia preparing a classic Italian dish - chicken parmesan - but with a twist. She grills the chicken instead of frying it, giving it a smoky and delicious flavor. She also demonstrates how to make a homemade tomato sauce, using fresh tomatoes and herbs, to top the chicken.

Next, Lidia turns her attention to grilled vegetables. She selects a variety of summer veggies, including zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms, and grills them to perfection. She then shows how to marinate the vegetables with a homemade dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.

For the main course, Lidia prepares a grilled lamb chop dish with a fig and red wine reduction sauce. She demonstrates how to properly grill the lamb chops, seasoning them with a blend of herbs and spices, and then finishes them with a rich sauce made with red wine and figs. She also shares her secrets for creating the perfect grilled corn on the cob, brushing it with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs for a tasty twist on a classic summer dish.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for successful grilling, including how to properly clean and oil the grill, how to control the temperature, and how to tell when meat is cooked to perfection. She also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best possible flavor.

Finally, the episode concludes with Lidia preparing a refreshing dessert - grilled peaches with a honey-vanilla mascarpone cream. She grills the peaches until they are tender and caramelized, then serves them with a decadent cream made with mascarpone cheese, honey, and vanilla.

Overall, "Italian Style BBQ" is a mouth-watering exploration of Italian-inspired grilling techniques and flavors. Lidia Bastianich shares her expertise and passion for cooking, giving viewers plenty of inspiration for their own summer grilling adventures.