Ep 11. Amber Waves of Pasta

Lidia's Italy season 3 episode 11, "Amber Waves of Pasta," takes viewers on a journey through the beautiful and vibrant region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. Lidia Bastianich, an award-winning chef and cookbook author, is accompanied by her granddaughter Julia as they explore the history and traditions of this culinary-rich region.

The episode begins with Lidia and Julia driving through the sprawling countryside, passing fields of golden wheat and green hills dotted with farmhouses. Lidia explains that Emilia-Romagna is known as the "bread basket" of Italy, thanks to its fertile land and long history of wheat cultivation. The region is also home to some of Italy's most famous culinary products, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar.

Their first stop is at a local pasta factory, where Lidia and Julia witness the intricate process of making fresh pasta by hand. They watch as the factory workers knead, roll, and cut sheets of dough into various shapes, from long strands of spaghetti to delicate tortellini. Lidia explains that fresh pasta is a staple of Emilian cuisine and is often served simply with butter and parmesan cheese.

Next, Lidia and Julia visit a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, where they learn about the complex aging process required to create true balsamic vinegar. They tour the attic where barrels of vinegar are stored for years, gradually developing a complex flavor and aroma. The producer explains that only vinegar made in the designated region of Modena can be called "balsamic," and that the process of making it is so strict that only a handful of families still produce it in the traditional way.

Later, Lidia and Julia visit a farm where they meet a local farmer who raises pigs for prosciutto di Parma. The farmer explains that the pigs are fed a special diet, consisting mainly of whey left over from Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production. This gives the prosciutto a unique flavor and texture. Lidia and Julia watch as the farmer expertly carves thin slices of prosciutto, which they then enjoy with slices of fresh bread and a glass of local wine.

The final stop on Lidia and Julia's journey is at a cheese factory, where they witness the art of making Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. They learn that the process is highly regulated, with strict guidelines regarding the type of milk, the temperature, and the aging period required to produce authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. Lidia and Julia sample several different ages of cheese, marveling at the complex flavors and textures.

Throughout the episode, Lidia and Julia also take part in several traditional Emilian feasts, including a pasta dinner with local friends and a family-style lunch featuring prosciutto, cheese, and bread. They learn about the importance of food in local culture and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

"Amber Waves of Pasta" is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna and the people who are dedicated to preserving its traditions. Lidia and Julia's journey through this beautiful region is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create meaningful connections.