Ep 11. The Flavors of Northern Italy

In Lidia's Kitchen season 8 episode 11, viewers are taken on a journey through the flavors of Northern Italy. Host Lidia Bastianich begins the episode by discussing the unique cuisine found in this region, which is heavily influenced by its proximity to the mountains and the sea. She emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients in Northern Italian cooking, and shows viewers how to incorporate these elements into their own dishes.

The episode starts with Lidia creating an appetizer of Crostini with Peas and Prosciutto, which highlights the flavors of spring. She combines fresh peas with prosciutto, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and places the mixture on top of toasted bread. The result is a light, flavorful dish that would be perfect for a dinner party or a family gathering.

Next, Lidia prepares a traditional Northern Italian dish of Risotto with Porcini Mushroom. She explains that this dish is popular in the fall, when porcini mushrooms are in season. Lidia uses a risotto rice called Carnaroli, which absorbs flavor well and creates a rich, creamy texture. She shows viewers how to properly cook the risotto, adding chicken broth and white wine in small increments to achieve the perfect consistency. Finally, she adds sautéed porcini mushrooms and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to the dish, resulting in a comforting, hearty meal.

For the main course, Lidia prepares a classic Northern Italian dish of Veal Scaloppine with Lemon Sauce. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality veal for this dish, and shows viewers how to properly pound the veal to ensure it cooks evenly. She then sautés the veal in butter and olive oil before creating a lemon sauce with white wine, lemon juice, and capers. The sauce is poured over the veal, resulting in a zesty, flavorful dish that would be perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.

Finally, Lidia prepares a dessert that is popular in Northern Italy: Panettone Bread Pudding. She explains that this dish is traditionally made from leftover Panettone, a sweet bread that is popular during the holidays. Lidia shows viewers how to transform this leftover bread into a rich, indulgent dessert by combining it with eggs, cream, and sugar. She bakes the mixture in a water bath to create a custard-like texture, and serves it warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares stories and insights from her experiences cooking in Northern Italy. Viewers are transported to the picturesque region, where they can almost taste the flavors of the dishes being prepared. Lidia's passion for Italian cuisine is evident as she shares her knowledge and expertise with viewers, making it easy for anyone to incorporate the flavors of Northern Italy into their own cooking.