Ep 3. No Sides Required

In the third episode of season 25 of the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten is all about the main event. This episode is aptly titled "No Sides Required" because the focus is on the main dish, which is more than enough for a delicious meal.

Ina starts off by making a simple, but flavorful main dish of seared scallops with tomato and avocado salad. She begins by seasoning the scallops with kosher salt and black pepper, and then searing them to a golden brown in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter. The tomato and avocado salad is a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the scallops, dressed with a simple vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Next up, Ina is making a dish that is sure to impress any seafood enthusiast: lobster and potato salad. Using fresh, live lobsters, Ina cooks them in boiling water with bay leaves and lemon for about 15 minutes. She then removes the meat from the shells and mixes it with boiled red potatoes, celery, and a homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and champagne vinegar. This luxurious salad is perfect for a special occasion, or just because you feel like indulging in something extra special.

Ina's third main course is a hearty beef tenderloin with mustard and breadcrumbs. She starts by seasoning the tenderloin with salt and pepper, and then searing it in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter until it's browned on all sides. She then coats the tenderloin with a mixture of Dijon mustard, panko breadcrumbs, and herbs like thyme and rosemary, before roasting it in the oven until it's tender and medium-rare. The crust on this beef tenderloin is absolutely irresistible and makes for a show-stopping centerpiece for any dinner party.

Finally, Ina is whipping up a simple and satisfying meal of roasted salmon with green herbs and a cucumber salad. She places the salmon filets on a baking sheet, and then covers them in a herb mixture made with parsley, chives, dill, and garlic. The cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish made with thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, dressed with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. This meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or for a healthy and flavorful lunch.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares some of her pro tips for creating delicious main dishes that will impress your friends and family. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, and how simple seasoning and cooking techniques can make all the difference. No sides required indeed, Ina's main dishes are the star of the show in this episode and showcase her ability to create dishes that are both elegant and accessible.