Ep 8. Like a Pro: Cook With a Pro

In season 16 episode 8 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, titled "Like a Pro: Cook With a Pro," Ina Garten invites professional chefs to her kitchen to share their techniques and tips for cooking like a pro.

The episode starts with Ina welcoming chef Ken Oringer to her kitchen to make his famous corn and lobster chowder. Ken shares his secret for extracting maximum flavor from the lobster by roasting it in the oven before adding it to the chowder. He also adds bacon, potatoes, and fresh thyme to the soup, creating a hearty and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Next up, Ina is joined by chef Floyd Cardoz, who shows her how to make a mouth-watering shrimp dish with green chutney. Floyd shares his recipe for a spicy and flavorful chutney made with cilantro, mint, jalapeño peppers, and grated coconut. He then sautés the shrimp and serves them with the chutney on top, creating a beautifully plated and delicious dish that's perfect for entertaining.

Ina's third guest is chef Samin Nosrat, who teaches her how to make a perfect roast chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat. Samin shares her technique for salting the chicken a day in advance, which helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. She also shows Ina how to truss the chicken to help it cook evenly, and how to baste it with a mixture of butter and lemon juice to create a crispy and golden skin.

Finally, Ina ends the episode with chef Jose Andres, who teaches her how to make a classic Spanish dish called tortilla española. Jose's version of the dish is made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, creating a delicious and hearty meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. He also shares tips for flipping the tortilla, ensuring that it's cooked evenly on both sides and perfectly golden brown.

Throughout the episode, Ina and her guests share their passion for cooking and their love of simple, flavorful ingredients. They demonstrate how to elevate classic dishes with small tweaks and twists, making them feel fresh and new again. And they encourage viewers to experiment in the kitchen, to try new things, and to cook with confidence, like a pro.