30 Minute Meals Season 2 Episode 20 30-Minute Passport to Vienna

30 Minute Meals is a cooking show hosted by celebrity chef Rachael Ray that focuses on creating fast, simple and delicious meals for busy people. In season 2 episode 20, titled 30-Minute Passport to Vienna, Rachael takes viewers on a culinary journey to the Austrian city of Vienna.

The episode starts off with Rachael introducing the theme of the show - Austrian cuisine. She explains that she has always been drawn to the flavors and techniques of Austrian cooking and is excited to share some of her favorite recipes with viewers.

Rachael then gets straight into the cooking, starting with a traditional Viennese dish - Wiener Schnitzel. She shows viewers how to pound out the veal cutlets until they are thin, coat them in breadcrumbs and fry them until golden brown. She also demonstrates how to make a creamy and tangy cucumber salad to serve alongside the schnitzel.

Next up, Rachael moves on to a classic Austrian soup - Goulash. She uses a slow cooker to make the beef stew, but assures viewers that they can also make it on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. She adds in the signature flavors of paprika and caraway seeds, as well as some potatoes and onions to make it a hearty and comforting meal.

For her third dish, Rachael makes a vegetarian version of a popular Austrian dish - Spätzle. She shows viewers how to make the egg noodles from scratch, and then adds in some caramelized onions, mushrooms and fresh parsley. She explains that this is a great option for vegetarians or for when you want a break from meat-heavy meals.

Rachael ends the episode with a sweet treat - a Viennese classic dessert, Apple Strudel. She teaches viewers how to make the delicate pastry dough from scratch, and then shows them how to assemble the strudel with a filling of cinnamon, sugar, breadcrumbs and apples. She tops it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Throughout the episode, Rachael also sprinkles in some interesting facts and anecdotes about Austrian culture and cuisine. She talks about the history of Wiener Schnitzel, the role of goulash in Hungarian and Austrian cuisine, and the origin of Spätzle. She also shares some tips and tricks for making the recipes even more flavorful and adaptable to different tastes.

Overall, 30-Minute Passport to Vienna is a fun and informative episode of 30 Minute Meals that takes viewers on a culinary trip to Austria. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Rachael's simple and approachable recipes will inspire you to try something new and delicious.