Ep 16. Spice It Up
- TV-G
- January 19, 2019
- 24 min
Lidia's Kitchen is an American cooking show that is hosted by celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich. It follows Lidia as she takes viewers through a variety of recipes and techniques that cover a wide range of culinary traditions and styles. In season 6, episode 16 of the show, Lidia educates viewers on how to add spice to their cooking and recipe ideas.
The show starts with Lidia explaining the importance of spice in cooking and how it can offer a unique flavor and kick to dishes. She goes through a brief history of various spices and their origins, highlighting the regions from where they typically come and what dishes they're used to flavor. Lidia also shares some tips on how to properly store spices and what spices pairs well with specific types of foods.
The first dish that Lidia prepares in the episode is a classic Italian sausage and peppers dish that she spices up with some Aleppo pepper flakes. While preparing the dish, Lidia discusses the origin of Aleppo pepper and explains that it's a spice that's commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. She talks about the heat level of the spice and how it adds a subtle smokiness to the sausage and pepper dish. The dish looks tantalizing, and Lidia encourages viewers to take a chance and give the Aleppo pepper a try the next time they're cooking up something that requires a little bit of spice.
Next up, Lidia prepares a spicy lamb sandwich, made with a homemade harissa sauce. Lidia explains that harissa, which is a North African condiment made from spicy chili peppers, garlic, and spices, can be used to add bold flavor to a variety of different dishes. She demonstrates the recipe from start to finish, showing viewers exactly how to make the fresh and authentic harissa paste. When it comes time to assemble the sandwich, Lidia shows how to pack in flavor and recommends pairing it with a simple side salad.
For the third dish, Lidia prepares a spicy shrimp pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes. Here, Lidia takes us through the process of using dried chili flakes and explains the difference between that and cayenne pepper. She also explains how the heat from the chili can be tempered by adding a little bit of cream to the sauce. The final dish looks beautiful and flavorful, with the added touch of lemon zest giving it an extra burst of freshness.
In the final segment of the show, Lidia whips up a spice mix that can be used to add some flavor and depth to everyday meals. She combines a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon, and recommends using it to season chicken, vegetables, or even rice dishes. She demonstrates how just a pinch of the spice mix can add complexity to a meal without overwhelming the senses.
Overall, the episode of Lidia's Kitchen is an informative and enjoyable watch. Lidia's explanation of spices' role in cooking and how they can elevate dishes' taste is incredibly informative, and her demonstrations of different spice blends and how to make harissa are top-notch. Additionally, the dishes themselves look fantastic. Hence, the show is a must-watch for anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level and spice up their dish's taste.