Ep 22. Tomato Time

In the 22nd episode of season 5 of the show Lidia's Kitchen, titled "Tomato Time," beloved chef and author Lidia Bastianich celebrates the delicious, versatile, and nutritious tomato. She begins by visiting a local farm to see the tomato harvest in action and learns about the many varieties of tomatoes and their unique characteristics.

Back in her kitchen, Lidia creates a variety of tomato-based dishes that showcase the fruit's depth of flavor. She starts by making a simple yet flavorful bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. Next, she makes a refreshing and zesty tomato and cucumber salad, perfect for a summer day.

For the main course, Lidia prepares a classic Italian dish: tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad. She uses fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and juicy, ripe tomato slices. The dish is simple yet elegant, and the combination of flavors is unbeatable.

Lidia then moves on to create a tomato-based seafood stew. She uses a combination of shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari, and combines them with a rich tomato broth flavored with garlic and white wine. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for entertaining guests.

To finish off the meal, Lidia makes a simple yet elegant dessert: tomato and strawberry salad. She combines halved cherry tomatoes with sliced strawberries, a sprinkling of sugar, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. The result is a refreshing and unexpected dessert that is perfect for summertime.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for cooking with tomatoes, including how to select the best fruits, how to store them, and how to bring out the most flavor in each dish. Her passion for cooking is infectious, and she inspires viewers to get into the kitchen and try their hand at creating delicious and healthy meals using this versatile ingredient.

Overall, "Tomato Time" is a delicious and educational episode of Lidia's Kitchen that celebrates the flavors of summer and the versatility of the humble tomato. Whether viewers are experienced cooks or just starting out, they are sure to find inspiration and ideas for using this delicious fruit in their own kitchens.