America's Test Kitchen Season 17 Episode 5 Italian Vegetarian

In season 17 episode 5 of America's Test Kitchen, the focus is on preparing an entire menu of classic Italian dishes completely free of meat. The episode titled "Italian Vegetarian" features the chefs at America's Test Kitchen walking viewers through a range of recipes that showcase the flavors of Italy without using any animal products.

First up, the chefs offer a recipe for a simple yet flavorful vegetarian lasagna that layers fresh pasta with a hearty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. They provide tips for making a smooth, silky béchamel sauce to add extra richness and a crispy breadcrumb topping for texture.

Next, the chefs share a recipe for a vegetable risotto that is both healthy and delicious. They show viewers how to make a flavorful broth from scratch using ingredients like mushrooms, Parmesan rinds, and vegetable scraps, and then use it to cook Arborio rice until it's tender and creamy. They fold in a mix of roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, to create a filling and satisfying dish that's perfect for colder months.

Moving on to the main course, the chefs present a recipe for eggplant Parmesan that's crispy, cheesy, and completely meat-free. They explain how to slice the eggplant thinly and salt it to remove excess moisture, then coat it in panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking it until golden brown. They then layer the eggplant slices with a homemade tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake them until everything is bubbly and delicious.

To complement these dishes, the chefs also offer a recipe for a classic Italian salad that's bursting with flavor. They toss together a mix of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onion, and briny olives, and dress it all in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. The resulting salad is a refreshing and light accompaniment to the other, more substantial dishes on the menu.

Finally, for dessert, the chefs whip up a traditional Italian dessert - tiramisu. They show viewers how to brew strong coffee and whip up a creamy mascarpone cheese filling, then layer the two together with ladyfingers and dust the top with cocoa powder. The result is a sweet, decadent treat that's perfect for wrapping up a delicious Italian feast.

Throughout the episode, the chefs offer tips and tricks for getting each dish just right, from how to choose the right eggplant to how to make a perfectly creamy risotto. They also provide ideas for substitutions and variations, so that viewers can customize the menu to their own tastes and preferences. With its focus on classic Italian flavors and completely vegetarian ingredients, "Italian Vegetarian" is a must-watch for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals.