Ep 15. Mastering Simplicity

Lidia's Kitchen is a popular cooking show hosted by Lidia Bastianich, who is a celebrated Italian-American chef. In season 7 episode 15, titled Mastering Simplicity, Lidia shares her secrets for creating delicious and elegant dishes that are easy to make. The episode begins with Lidia introducing the theme of simplicity and how it is an essential element of Italian cooking. She explains that Italian cuisine is all about using fresh and high-quality ingredients to create flavorful meals that are easy to prepare.

In the first segment of the show, Lidia prepares a light and refreshing appetizer of fava bean puree with grilled bread. She starts by cooking the fava beans in salted water until they are tender, then blending them with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to create a smooth and creamy puree. Lidia then grills slices of bread and serves them alongside the fava bean puree, topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Next, Lidia demonstrates how to make a simple yet flavorful pasta dish using just a few ingredients. She starts by cooking spaghetti until al dente, then tossing it with a sauce made from roasted cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Lidia adds fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese to the pasta before serving, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in just a few minutes.

In the final segment of the show, Lidia prepares a classic Italian dessert of panna cotta with fresh berry sauce. She starts by simmering cream, sugar, and vanilla bean together until just heated through, then adding gelatin to create a silky smooth texture. Lidia pours the mixture into individual ramekins and chills them until set. She then makes a simple sauce by blending fresh berries with sugar and lemon juice, which she serves alongside the panna cotta.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh and high-quality ingredients, as well as taking the time to savor and enjoy the flavors of each dish. She shows that Italian cooking can be both simple and elegant, and that anyone can create delicious and satisfying meals with just a few basic techniques.

Overall, Mastering Simplicity is a fantastic episode of Lidia's Kitchen that offers viewers a glimpse into the world of Italian cooking. It is packed with valuable tips and tricks for creating flavorful and satisfying meals that are easy to make, and Lidia's warm and engaging personality makes it a joy to watch. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this episode is sure to inspire you to try your hand at Italian cuisine.