Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 4 Episode 1 Herb Story

In the opening episode of season 4 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Ina Garten is back at her barn in East Hampton, NY, and is excited to share her passion for herbs with her viewers. The episode is titled "Herb Story" and focuses on how the right herbs can transform even the simplest of dishes.

Ina starts by taking a walk around her beautiful cutting garden, where she grows a variety of herbs, including thyme, oregano, parsley, sage, and rosemary, among others. She encourages viewers to plant their own herb gardens, even if they have limited space, as herbs can easily be grown in pots on windowsills or balconies.

The first recipe Ina makes is a classic herb and garlic marinade for chicken. She combines minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and a mix of chopped fresh herbs, and lets the chicken marinate for a few hours before grilling it to perfection. Ina emphasizes the importance of letting meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it moist.

Next, Ina whips up a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad with red onion and a simple, but flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and more fresh herbs. She highlights the beauty of using contrasting colors and textures in a dish to make it visually appealing and irresistible.

Ina then moves on to a seafood dish, and shows viewers how to make a delicious and aromatic herb-infused broth that serves as the base for steaming mussels and shrimp. The broth is made with white wine, garlic cloves, shallots, saffron, and a bouquet garni of fresh herbs, which infuse the broth with a complex layer of flavors. Ina explains the importance of cleaning the mussels thoroughly before cooking and how to properly store them to ensure they are fresh.

The final dish Ina makes is a lovely lemon and herb roasted vegetables recipe, which includes fingerling potatoes, carrots, and shallots. She again stresses the importance of arranging the vegetables in a visually appealing way on the baking sheet and how roasting the vegetables with lemon and herbs gives them a burst of flavor.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips and tricks for cooking with herbs, such as using soft herbs like parsley and basil at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color, while using hardier herbs like rosemary and thyme at the beginning for a more robust flavor. Ina also encourages viewers to experiment with different herb combinations and to trust their instincts when it comes to adjusting the seasoning of a dish.

Overall, "Herb Story" is a delightful and informative start to season 4 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics. Ina Garten's passion for cooking and using fresh ingredients shines through, and her easy-to-follow recipes and cooking tips make it accessible for viewers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this episode will inspire you to get into the kitchen and start cooking with herbs.