Ep 21. Cook Like a Pro: Vegetables

In Barefoot Contessa Season 26 Episode 21 titled "Cook Like a Pro: Vegetables," Ina Garten shares her expertise on how to make fresh vegetables more exciting and flavorful. With a focus on the season's harvest, Ina shows viewers how to create delicious and healthy vegetable dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

The episode kicks off with Ina teaching viewers how to make a simple yet delicious roasted vegetable dish. Using a variety of colorful vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts, Ina shows viewers how to prep and roast the vegetables to perfection. She also shares some tips on how to achieve that caramelized flavor that makes roasted vegetables so irresistible.

Next, Ina shares her recipe for a savory squash soup. Using butternut squash as the main ingredient, Ina demonstrates how to turn this lowly vegetable into a creamy and comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly night. She also shares some tips on how to cut and prep the squash to make the process as easy as possible.

Moving on to something a little more indulgent, Ina shows viewers how to make a delicious spinach and feta tart. With a buttery crust and a flavorful filling, this tart is a great way to incorporate vegetables into a dish that feels indulgent and luxurious. Ina shares some tips on how to roll out the crust and how to make sure the filling is evenly distributed.

For those who are looking for a healthier, plant-based alternative to pasta, Ina shares her recipe for zucchini noodles with pesto. Using a spiralizer, Ina turns zucchinis into long, thin noodles that serve as a perfect base for a bright and flavorful pesto sauce. She also shares some tips on how to cook the zucchini noodles to ensure they maintain their delicate texture.

Finally, Ina demonstrates how to make a satisfying and healthy roasted vegetable salad. Using a variety of fresh and seasonal vegetables such as beets, fennel, and carrots, Ina shows viewers how to roast the vegetables to perfection and toss them with a bright and tangy dressing. She also shares some tips on how to prep and roast the vegetables to make the process as easy as possible.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her expertise on how to choose, prep, and cook vegetables in a way that brings out their fullest potential. With her recipes and tips, viewers will be inspired to incorporate more vegetables into their diets and to make them the star of their next meal.