Ep 26. A Colorful Pantry

Lidia's Kitchen season 6 episode 26, titled "A Colorful Pantry," is a vibrant and cheerful episode that focuses on utilizing pantry staples to create delicious and colorful meals. From lentil soup to roasted cherry tomato and ricotta crostini, Lidia Bastianich whips up a range of dishes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

In the beginning of the episode, Lidia takes us on a tour of her colorful pantry, which is stocked with canned tomatoes, beans, lentils, pasta, and various spices and herbs. She emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked pantry, as it provides endless possibilities for creative and flavorful cooking.

The first recipe Lidia demonstrates is a lentil soup with escarole and sausage. She begins by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adds the lentils, escarole, and chicken stock. She flavors the soup with bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and lets it simmer for about an hour until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. She serves the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Next up, Lidia makes a vegan pasta dish that's colorful and bursting with flavor. She begins by sautéing sliced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then adds a can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes and lets it simmer for about 15 minutes. She flavors the sauce with oregano and basil, then tosses in a cooked pasta of her choice. She adds a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors, and serves the pasta hot with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

For a light and refreshing appetizer, Lidia makes roasted cherry tomato and ricotta crostini. She begins by tossing halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil and salt, and roasting them in the oven until they're bursting and caramelized. She then toasts slices of Italian bread, rubs them with garlic, and spreads a layer of creamy ricotta cheese on each slice. She tops the crostini with the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Lidia also makes a simple and hearty dish using canned cannellini beans. She begins by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil, then adds the drained cannellini beans and chicken stock. She seasons the beans with rosemary and lemon zest, and lets them simmer until they're tender and creamy. She serves the beans hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Lastly, Lidia showcases her Italian-style pickled vegetables, which are a perfect addition to any charcuterie board or antipasto platter. She begins by blanching sliced carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, and pearl onions in boiling water. She then packs the vegetables into jars with a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices, and lets them sit for a few days to absorb the flavors. The resulting pickled vegetables are crunchy, tangy, and delicious.

Overall, "A Colorful Pantry" is a delightful episode that showcases Lidia's talent for transforming simple pantry staples into delicious and colorful meals. Her recipes are easy to follow and accessible to home cooks of all levels, and her enthusiasm for cooking and sharing food is infectious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make the most of your pantry.