Ep 9. Cook Like a Pro: Tomatoes

In Barefoot Contessa season 27 episode 9, titled "Cook Like a Pro: Tomatoes," Ina Garten, the host of the show, shares some of her favorite tomato recipes and techniques to elevate the flavor of this versatile ingredient.

The episode opens with Ina picking ripe and juicy tomatoes from her garden. She stresses the importance of buying the best possible tomatoes, whether from a farmer's market or your own garden. She then moves to the kitchen to prepare some of her favorite tomato dishes, starting with a simple and delicious tomato salad.

Ina demonstrates the best way to slice tomatoes for a salad, cutting them into thick wedges to prevent them from falling apart. She then prepares a dressing with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil and thyme. Ina adds sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese for additional flavor and texture.

Next, Ina shares her recipe for a tomato and feta tart. She starts by making a tart dough from scratch and then bakes it in the oven for several minutes. Ina then adds a layer of sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese on top of the partially baked crust. She finishes the tart with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs.

Ina's third recipe is a tried-and-true classic: spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce. She emphasizes the importance of using ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Ina prepares a simple sauce by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil before adding in the chopped tomatoes. She lets the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Ina then tosses the pasta in the sauce and adds freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

For her fourth and final recipe, Ina shares her method for roasting cherry tomatoes. She coats the tomatoes in olive oil and adds some garlic and fresh thyme for added flavor. Ina then roasts the cherry tomatoes in the oven until they have caramelized and burst open. She suggests using them as a topping for bruschetta or mixing them into a salad for an extra burst of flavor.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares various tips and tricks to help home cooks get the most out of their tomatoes. She advises using a serrated knife to slice tomatoes for the salad, as it makes the job much easier. Ina also suggests letting the tomato sauce simmer on low heat for as long as possible to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Overall, "Cook Like a Pro: Tomatoes" is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to learn new ways to use this versatile ingredient. Ina Garten's recipes are approachable, delicious, and perfect for summertime entertaining or easy weeknight dinners. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this episode is sure to offer something new and exciting to try in the kitchen.