Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 1 Episode 1 Steak and Sides

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 1 episode 1, titled "Steak and Sides," Ina Garten, the famous chef and host of the show, shares some of her go-to recipes for making a perfect meal in no time. The episode begins with Ina heading to a local butcher in East Hampton to select the perfect cut of meat for her steak dinner. She selects a beautiful rib-eye steak with plenty of marbling, which she believes creates better flavor and a more satisfying meal.

Once Ina returns to her kitchen, she gets ready to prepare the main course – the steak. She seasons it simply with salt and pepper and cooks it on a grill pan until it's seared on the outside and medium-rare on the inside. As the steak rests, Ina prepares a mouthwatering side dish of baked potatoes. She explains how to properly bake them in the oven and shares her tip for making the skin extra crispy.

Next up, Ina makes a delicious green salad with homemade croutons, which she uses to balance out the rich flavors of the steak and potatoes. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh greens, and she shows viewers how to make a tangy mustard vinaigrette that adds a bright pop of flavor to the dish.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her kitchen tips and tricks that make cooking seem effortless and enjoyable, such as using fresh herbs, making sure to have all the ingredients prepped ahead of time, and taking time to set a beautiful table. She even shares some of her favorite kitchen tools, like her trusty cast-iron skillet that she uses for everything from searing steaks to baking cakes.

The episode wraps up with Ina and her husband Jeffrey sitting down to enjoy the delicious steak dinner together. Jeffrey raves about the flavors of the meal, and Ina is thrilled to have created another successful meal using just a few simple ingredients.

Overall, "Steak and Sides" is a great introduction to Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics and the style of cooking Ina Garten is known for. Viewers will love the simple and delicious recipes that can be recreated at home, as well as the beautiful scenery and charming stories that Ina shares throughout the episode.