Ep 9. Weeknight Dinner

Lidia's Kitchen season 5 episode 9, titled "Weeknight Dinner", focuses on creating delicious yet easy-to-prepare meals for those busy weekdays when time is scarce. Host Lidia Bastianich shares her expertise in the kitchen to help viewers whip up some tasty meals that are perfect for any night of the week.

The episode begins with Lidia showcasing a simple recipe for chicken and zucchini skewers, perfect for grilling on a busy weeknight. She then moves on to a quick and easy pasta dish that utilizes canned tuna, tomatoes, and capers to create a delicious, hearty meal in no time.

Next up is a mouthwatering recipe for salmon burgers with a tangy lemon-mustard aioli. Lidia demonstrates how to make the perfect burger patty and shares her tips for grilling it to perfection. She also shows how to make a quick and simple side dish of roasted sweet potato wedges to complete the meal.

For those looking for a meat-free option, Lidia shares a recipe for a lentil and vegetable stir-fry that can be customized with any veggies on hand. She also demonstrates how to make a flavorful garlic paste to enhance the dish.

Lidia concludes the episode with a recipe for a classic Italian dish, chicken parmigiana. She shows how to bread and pan-fry the chicken cutlets before baking them in a tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese on top. She also shares her secret for making the perfect tomato sauce, which can be used in a variety of dishes.

Throughout the episode, Lidia offers helpful cooking tips and techniques, from how to properly season dishes to how to cut vegetables and meat efficiently. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients to create delicious and healthy meals.

Overall, "Weeknight Dinner" is a fantastic episode for those looking to expand their weekday dinner options with easy and delicious recipes. Lidia's warm and inviting personality makes the cooking process enjoyable and accessible for viewers of all skill levels.