Ep 2. The Olive Grove

In season 8, episode 2 of "Lidia's Kitchen" titled "The Olive Grove," Lidia Bastianich takes viewers on a culinary journey to Italy's Puglia region, where olive trees flourish and yield high-quality olive oil. Throughout the episode, Lidia cooks with olive oil and highlights its versatility in various dishes.

Lidia starts by visiting a local olive oil producer who explains the process of making extra-virgin olive oil. Lidia then takes viewers to a café where she enjoys a traditional Italian breakfast consisting of freshly baked bread drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomatoes, olives, and capers.

Back in the kitchen, Lidia begins cooking with olive oil, starting with a classic Italian dish: spaghetti aglio e olio. She sautés garlic in olive oil until it's fragrant, then adds red pepper flakes for a bit of heat before tossing the pasta in the skillet with Parmesan cheese. Lidia also prepares a frittata made with potatoes and red peppers cooked in olive oil until tender, mixed with beaten eggs, and topped with Pecorino cheese.

For the main course, Lidia cooks chicken thighs with olives, capers, and tomatoes in olive oil. She sears the chicken until golden brown before adding tomatoes and olives, letting everything simmer in a fragrant sauce made with white wine, lemon juice, and chicken stock. Lidia serves the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, including zucchini, eggplant, and red onions, all coated in olive oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Finally, Lidia prepares a dessert of amaretti-stuffed peaches, baked in the oven with a drizzle of honey and olive oil. She uses ripe peaches with the pit removed and filling them with an amaretti cookie mixture made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites. Lidia brushes the peaches with olive oil to keep them from sticking to the baking dish and adds a drizzle of honey for sweetness before baking them in the oven until they're soft and golden brown.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using high-quality olive oil in cooking, showcasing its flavor and versatility. "The Olive Grove" is a delicious tribute to Italy's Puglia region and the timeless ingredient that lies at the heart of its cuisine.