Ep 12. Soups On

Lidia's Kitchen is a beloved cooking show featuring the Italian-American chef Lidia Bastianich. In season 6, episode 12 titled "Soup's On," Lidia shares some of her favorite soup recipes perfect for warming up during the colder months.

The episode begins with Lidia making an Italian classic - minestrone soup. She starts by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil before adding diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Lidia then adds in chopped kale, cannellini beans, and a Parmesan cheese rind for extra flavor. To finish off the soup, Lidia adds in ditalini pasta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Next up, Lidia makes a hearty barley and mushroom soup. She starts by simmering barley in chicken broth until tender. In another pot, she sautés mushrooms and garlic with some thyme before adding them to the barley pot. Lidia then adds in some diced carrots, celery, and onions for more flavor. She seasons the soup with salt and black pepper and lets it simmer for a few more minutes before serving.

For a lighter option, Lidia makes a Tuscan vegetable soup. She starts by cooking some white beans with a bay leaf and some garlic. She then sautés onions, celery, and fennel in olive oil before adding diced potatoes and zucchini. Lidia adds some canned tomatoes and chicken broth and lets the soup simmer for around 20 minutes. To finish off the soup, she adds in some chopped kale and lets it cook for a few more minutes until the kale is wilted.

Lidia also makes a classic Italian wedding soup. She starts by making mini meatballs with a mixture of ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg. She simmers the meatballs in chicken broth before adding in some chopped escarole and orzo pasta. Lidia lets the soup simmer for a few more minutes before serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Finally, Lidia makes a creamy cauliflower soup. She starts by sautéing onions and garlic in butter before adding in chopped cauliflower florets and chicken broth. Lidia lets the cauliflower cook until tender before blending the mixture until it is smooth. She then adds in some heavy cream and lets the soup simmer for a few more minutes before serving.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for making the perfect soup, including how to properly chop vegetables, how to cook pasta and grains, and how to blend soup until it is smooth. She also talks about the importance of using homemade broth for better flavor and the versatility of soups for using up leftovers and creating new dishes.

Overall, "Soup's On" is a delightful episode that showcases the warmth and comfort of homemade soups. Lidia's delicious recipes and expert advice make this episode a must-watch for any home cook who loves soup.