Ep 22. Italian Austrian

In Lidia's Italy season 2 episode 22, viewers are taken on a culinary journey through the northern regions of Italy, exploring the influence of Austrian cuisine on Italian dishes.

Lidia begins by traveling to the Alto Adige region, where she meets with a local chef who demonstrates how to make canederli, a traditional Austrian dumpling dish that has become popular in Italy. Lidia observes as the chef combines stale bread, eggs, flour, and milk to create the dumplings, which are then boiled and served with a flavorful broth.

Next, Lidia visits a speck factory, where she learns about the traditional methods of smoking and curing the cured ham known as speck. She then heads to a winery in the nearby Trentino region, where she tastes a variety of wines and learns about the unique characteristics of the terroir.

In the kitchen, Lidia puts her own spin on traditional Austrian dishes, starting with goulash. She combines beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, along with a surprise ingredient - red wine - for a rich, flavorful stew. She serves the goulash with spaetzle, a type of pasta often eaten in Austria.

For dessert, Lidia creates kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy pancake-like dish that is a favorite in Austria. She mixes eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, then whips the mixture into a foam before cooking it in a pan and breaking it into pieces. She serves the kaiserschmarrn with homemade raspberry jam and whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Lidia emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and how food can bring people together across borders. She also highlights the unique beauty and flavors of the northern Italian regions, showcasing the stunning mountain landscapes and delicious local ingredients.

Overall, Italian Austrian is a delightful and informative episode of Lidia's Italy, showcasing the culinary delights and cultural richness of Italy's northern regions. Whether you're a food lover, travel enthusiast, or simply enjoy good storytelling, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire.