Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 2 Episode 17 Sicily

In season 2, episode 17 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the adventurous host travels to Sicily, an island off the coast of Italy, to explore the unique cuisine and culture of this region.

Zimmern begins his journey in Palermo, where he meets up with a local guide who takes him on a tour of the city's bustling street food scene. They sample some of the city's most iconic dishes, including arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (a type of pizza topped with onions, tomatoes and breadcrumbs). Zimmern also tries his hand at making a traditional Sicilian dish called pasta con le sarde, which is a pasta dish made with sardines, raisins, and fennel.

Next, Zimmern heads to the city of Trapani, located on the western coast of Sicily. Here, he learns about the region's ancient salt flats, which have been used for centuries to harvest salt. He visits one of the oldest salt farms in the area and learns about the traditional methods used to produce this important ingredient. Zimmern also samples some of the local seafood, including sea urchins and spiny lobsters, which are a specialty in the area.

Continuing his journey, Zimmern makes his way to the town of San Vito lo Capo, located on the northwest coast of Sicily. Here, he meets up with a local chef who takes him on a tour of the town's famous fish market. They sample some of the region's freshest seafood, including raw prawns, octopus, and swordfish. Zimmern also tries a local specialty called couscous di pesce, which is a flavorful seafood stew served over a bed of couscous.

Finally, Zimmern travels to the town of Modica, located in southeast Sicily, to learn about the region's famous chocolate. Modica is known for its unique style of chocolate making, which dates back to the Aztec era. The chocolate is made using a traditional method that involves grinding the cocoa beans with sugar to create a gritty, granular texture. Zimmern visits a local chocolate maker and learns about the history and process behind this unique style of chocolate.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also explores the rich history and culture of Sicily, which has been shaped by its diverse mix of Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern influences. He visits ancient temples, stunning cathedrals, and quaint villages, all while sampling the unique flavors of this region.

In conclusion, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern season 2 episode 17 is a fascinating exploration of the unique cuisine and culture of Sicily. From the bustling street food scene of Palermo, to the ancient salt flats of Trapani, to the chocolate-making traditions of Modica, Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey to remember.