Ep 24. Three Pastas in a Flash

In Lidia's Italy season 3 episode 24, titled "Three Pastas in a Flash," chef Lidia Bastianich whips up a fast and flavorful Italian meal with not one, but three different types of pasta dishes.

First, she starts off with linguine with shrimp, anchovy, and garlic sauce. Lidia shows how to prepare the ingredients and cook the shrimp just right for maximum flavor and tenderness. She also shares tips on how to properly cook pasta al dente, which is crucial for this dish. While the linguine cooks, Lidia moves on to the next pasta dish.

Next up is fusilli with Italian sausage and escarole. Lidia uses sweet Italian sausage, which has the perfect balance of seasoning and succulent meat. She sautés it in a pan along with garlic and red pepper flakes for added heat. Then, she adds escarole to the pan and lets it wilt down before adding the cooked fusilli. The result is a hearty dish that's perfect for a chilly evening.

Finally, Lidia finishes off her three-pasta meal with orzo with roasted peppers and arugula. This dish is a bit lighter and features a bright, citrusy flavor. Lidia roasts the peppers herself, which enhances their natural sweetness. Then, she tosses them together with cooked orzo and arugula, adding lemon juice and olive oil for a zesty finish.

Throughout the episode, Lidia discusses various cooking techniques and shares stories about her childhood in Italy. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking your time to properly prepare and cook each dish.

At the end of the episode, Lidia pulls all three pasta dishes together for a beautiful and delicious spread that's sure to impress any dinner guests. "Three Pastas in a Flash" demonstrates how to make a quick and satisfying three-course meal that showcases the best of Italian cuisine.