Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 5 Episode 5 Make It Fast

The episode "Make It Fast" from season 5 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics focuses on quick and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, shares her tips and tricks for creating delicious meals in a hurry without sacrificing flavor or quality.

The episode starts with Ina making her favorite weeknight pasta dish, Linguine with Shrimp Scampi. She shows viewers how to make the dish from start to finish in just 20 minutes, using simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, white wine, and, of course, shrimp. Ina emphasizes the importance of having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting to cook, and shows how this can speed up the cooking process significantly.

Next up, Ina shows viewers how to make a flavorful and colorful salad in just 5 minutes. She starts with a base of mixed greens and adds cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. She then whips up a quick vinaigrette using dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, and tosses it all together for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

For the main course, Ina makes a pork tenderloin that's tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. She starts by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and a mixture of dried herbs, and sears it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. She then finishes cooking the pork in the oven while she makes a quick pan sauce using apple cider vinegar, chicken stock, and a bit of maple syrup. Ina serves the pork with the pan sauce spooned over the top and a side of roasted vegetables.

To round out the meal, Ina makes a simple and elegant dessert: chocolate-dipped strawberries. She melts dark chocolate in a double boiler, dips each strawberry in the chocolate, and then rolls it in chopped hazelnuts. The result is a decadent and delicious treat that's perfect for a special occasion or just a weeknight indulgence.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and having a well-stocked pantry to make fast and easy meals that are still delicious and satisfying. She also shares her favorite shortcuts and time-saving techniques, such as keeping pre-made pesto and marinara sauce on hand, using frozen vegetables, and buying pre-washed salad greens.

Overall, "Make It Fast" is a great episode for anyone looking to up their weeknight cooking game and make quick, easy, and delicious meals that will impress the whole family. Ina's recipes are approachable, practical, and full of flavor, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.