Ep 3. It's Pasta Night!

In Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 3, titled "It's Pasta Night!", acclaimed chef Lidia Bastianich takes viewers on a culinary journey through Italy with her delicious pasta dishes.

The episode begins with Lidia explaining the importance of selecting high-quality ingredients when making pasta, such as using flour made from durum wheat and fresh eggs. She then proceeds to make her favorite homemade pasta dough recipe, showing viewers step by step how to make the perfect dough.

Next, Lidia prepares a flavorful tomato sauce for her Bucatini all'Amatriciana dish. She starts by sautéing pancetta and red pepper flakes, then adding San Marzano tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Lidia notes that it's important to simmer the sauce for a while to allow the flavors to blend together.

For her next dish, Lidia makes Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp and Arugula. She begins by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes, then adds the shrimp and cooks until pink. She then adds cooked spaghetti to the pan along with arugula and lemon juice for a bright, refreshing flavor.

Lidia showcases her culinary expertise by also preparing a unique dish - Fettuccine with Asparagus and Peas. She starts by blanching asparagus and peas, then sautéing them with shallots and pancetta. Lidia adds a splash of cream and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a creamy, indulgent finish.

The final dish of the episode is a classic - Spaghetti Carbonara. Lidia emphasizes the importance of using authentic ingredients, such as Guanciale bacon, Pecorino Romano cheese, and fresh cracked black pepper for the perfect dish. She sautés the bacon and garlic, whisking together eggs, cheese, and pepper for the sauce. Lidia notes that it's critical to toss the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat, ensuring the pasta is cooked perfectly and the sauce is not overcooked.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for cooking perfect pasta dishes, including advice on salting the water to enhance the flavor, cooking pasta al dente, and reserving pasta water to use in sauces. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and highlights the simplicity and versatility of pasta dishes.

Overall, "It's Pasta Night!" is a delicious and informative episode of Lidia's Kitchen, showcasing the beauty of Italian cuisine and the creativity of one of the world's best chefs. Viewers are sure to be inspired by Lidia's passion and expertise, and eager to try out her mouth-watering pasta dishes in their own kitchens.