Ep 24. The Serendipitous Celery

Lidia Bastianich is back with another episode of Lidia's Italy season 2, and this time she's exploring the serendipitous world of celery. She begins by taking viewers on a journey through the history of celery in Italy, which dates back to ancient Rome when it was believed to have medicinal properties.

Lidia then heads to a local market to pick up some fresh celery, which she uses to create a variety of delicious dishes. First up is celery and shrimp risotto, which Lidia says is one of her all-time favorite dishes. She shows viewers how to make a traditional Italian risotto with a creamy sauce and plump, juicy shrimp, then adds in the celery to give the dish a fresh, crispy crunch.

Next, Lidia whips up a celery and walnut salad that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. She combines thinly sliced celery with sweet, plump raisins and toasty walnuts, then dresses the salad with a tangy lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.

For her main course, Lidia prepares a mouth-watering chicken dish with celery and olives. She starts by browning the chicken on the stovetop, then sautéing onions, celery, and garlic to create a fragrant, flavorful base. She adds in juicy black olives and a splash of white wine, then lets the dish simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Finally, Lidia shows viewers how to use celery to create a simple yet satisfying dessert: celery and apple crisp. She combines sliced apples with diced celery and a sweet, buttery crumble topping, then bakes the dish until it's golden brown and bubbling. The result is a warm, comforting dessert that's perfect for a chilly winter evening.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for cooking with celery, including how to choose the freshest stalks, how to slice and dice them for different dishes, and how to get the most flavor out of this humble, versatile vegetable.

As always, Lidia's warmth and passion for Italian food shines through in every dish, making this episode a must-watch for anyone who loves simple, flavorful cooking. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Lidia's recipes are sure to inspire you to get creative with celery and other fresh ingredients. So why not grab a bunch of celery and join Lidia on this serendipitous culinary adventure?