Rachael Ray Season 9 Episode 146 A Lasagna Lesson with Judge Patricia DiMango & Rach's Springtime Pesto Pasta

Rachael Ray returns with Oprah Winfrey's favorite lasagna recipe, and Judge Patricia DiMango joins her for an exciting episode of Rachael Ray season 9. In episode 146, viewers are treated to a cooking lesson with the judge, who shares her famous lasagna recipe with Rachael.

The segment, titled "A Lasagna Lesson with Judge Patricia DiMango," takes viewers through the process of making an authentic Italian lasagna. Judge DiMango, who is known for her role on the popular TV show "Hot Bench," explains that the key to a great lasagna is the sauce. Using a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, the judge creates a flavorful sauce that will serve as the base of the lasagna. She also adds herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley to enhance the taste.

As the sauce simmers on the stove, Rachael and the judge prepare the lasagna noodles. They use fresh pasta sheets and boil them briefly until they are pliable. Rachael also shows viewers how to make a simple pesto sauce for the dish's second part: the Springtime Pesto Pasta.

Switching from the lasagna to the pasta, Rachael whips up a bright and delicious green pesto sauce, combining fresh green herbs, nuts, and olive oil in a food processor. She pairs it with rotini pasta and cherry tomatoes, creating a colorful and flavorful dish.

Throughout the segment, the judge and Rachael share tips and techniques that viewers can use to make their cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Judge DiMango recommends using fresh ingredients and taking the time to properly simmer sauces to ensure optimal flavor, while Rachael emphasizes the importance of using a sharp knife to avoid injury while cooking.

The second part of the episode, "Rach's Springtime Pesto Pasta," features Rachael demonstrating another simple, yet flavorful, pasta dish. Making use of the pesto sauce they created in the previous segment, guest Nick runs through the simple steps of making the dish.

He begins by roasting cherry tomatoes until they're soft and sweet. He then massages kale with some olive oil to soften it and reduce its bitterness, before adding it to the pot along with some cooked rotini pasta. Finally, he adds the pesto and mixes everything together, creating a deliciously healthy pasta dish.

Throughout the episode, Rachael Ray and the judge show viewers that cooking can be simple, fun, and delicious, even with dishes as traditionally daunting as lasagna. By relying on fresh and simple ingredients, taking the time to properly simmer sauces and cook pasta, and trusting one's instincts in the kitchen, viewers can create incredible meals that will impress family and friends.

Overall, Rachael Ray season 9 episode 146 is an exciting and informative episode that provides viewers with the tools they need to create authentic Italian cuisine in the comfort of their own homes. By drawing on the expertise of Judge Patricia DiMango and the creativity of Rachael Ray, viewers walk away feeling inspired and empowered to tackle even the most daunting of culinary challenges.