Ep 2. Tex Mex

In Barefoot Contessa season 2 episode 2, titled "Tex Mex," Ina Garten explores the popular cuisine of Tex-Mex and shares her take on classic dishes.

The episode begins with Ina visiting a specialty store to pick up some authentic Tex-Mex ingredients. She then heads back to her kitchen to prepare a variety of dishes, starting with homemade salsa. Ina shares her recipe for a flavorful salsa with just the right amount of heat and texture, perfect for enjoying with chips or serving as a topping for other dishes.

Next, Ina moves on to one of the most popular Tex-Mex dishes - enchiladas. She shares her recipe for chicken enchiladas, which feature a homemade enchilada sauce made with spices and canned tomatoes. Ina demonstrates how to quickly shred a rotisserie chicken and combine it with the sauce and cheese for a simple yet delicious filling. She then rolls the enchiladas and bakes them until the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crispy.

Ina also shares her recipe for a refreshing and colorful Tex-Mex salad. She combines fresh greens, sliced avocados, tomatoes, and scallions with a citrus dressing featuring fresh orange juice and lime zest. The salad is topped with a homemade tortilla chip crumble for a satisfying crunch.

To accompany the enchiladas and salad, Ina prepares a flavorful Tex-Mex rice dish. She cooks white rice with onion, garlic, and spices before adding diced tomatoes and green chilies. The result is a savory and slightly spicy side dish that complements the other dishes perfectly.

Finally, for a sweet and spicy finish, Ina makes a batch of chocolate-dipped jalapeños. She briefly blanches the sliced jalapeños before coating them in dark chocolate and sprinkling them with sea salt. The combination of heat and sweet is a delightful way to end the meal.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares helpful tips and tricks for working with Tex-Mex ingredients and creating perfectly balanced flavors. She also emphasizes the importance of making dishes that are both delicious and approachable so that everyone can enjoy the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Overall, Barefoot Contessa season 2 episode 2 "Tex Mex" is a mouthwatering exploration of this beloved cuisine. With Ina Garten's expert guidance, viewers can confidently recreate classic Tex-Mex dishes in their own homes.