Ep 11. Sicilian Street Food

Lidia's Italy season 2 episode 11 takes viewers on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Sicily, Italy. In this episode, host Lidia Bastianich delves into the world of Sicilian street food, exploring the vibrant flavors and unique ingredients that make this region's cuisine so distinct.

The episode begins with Lidia visiting a local market in Palermo, where she meets with vendors and samples some of the freshest produce and seafood in the area. From there, she heads to a nearby street market to experience some of the best street food Sicily has to offer.

Lidia tries a variety of dishes, including panelle (chickpea fritters), arancine (stuffed rice balls), and sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza). Along the way, she talks with the vendors and learns about the history and cultural significance of each dish.

Next, Lidia heads to the kitchen to recreate some of these Sicilian street food classics. She starts with panelle, combining chickpea flour, water, and spices to make a smooth batter. After pouring the mixture into a pan and letting it cool, she slices it into squares and fries it to crispy perfection.

Moving on to arancine, Lidia shows viewers how to prepare the filling (which can include anything from meat to cheese to vegetables) and mold it into a ball shape. She then coats the balls in breadcrumbs and fries them until golden brown.

Finally, Lidia shares her recipe for sfincione, a hearty pizza topped with onions, tomato sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs. She explains the differences between sfincione and traditional pizza, and how the flavors and textures of Sicilian cuisine are influenced by the region's unique history and geography.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients in Sicilian cooking. She also highlights the role that street food plays in Sicilian culture, and how it brings people together to share food and community.

Overall, Lidia's Italy season 2 episode 11 is a delicious and informative exploration of Sicilian street food. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this cuisine is sure to inspire home cooks looking to add a little Sicilian flair to their own kitchens.