Ep 2. Legalize Marinara

In the second episode of Bong Appetit's third season, entitled "Legalize Marinara," cannabis culinary experts are exploring the world of cannabinoids and terpenoids and their potential for flavor infusions in everyday kitchen staples. Host Abdullah Saeed navigates through the complexities of cannabis cuisine and reveals how various strains’ flavor profiles and active components can impact taste.

The episode's focus is all about marinara sauce, and how cannabis can elevate the flavor of a classic Italian dish. Chef Zeph Shepard, a Portland-based cannabis chef, takes Saeed to an urban farm, where they peruse the herb garden and pick out some fresh basil. They also discuss the impact of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds in plants, including cannabis, that determine the flavor and aroma of a strain.

Once they have the ingredients, they get to work in the kitchen. The pair use two different types of cannabis flowers that have different effects and flavors. Chef Shepard explains which strains to use, and Saeed grinds them up using a coffee grinder. The ground-up cannabis is then decarboxylated, which activates the cannabinoids so that they can be infused into the sauce.

Saeed also learns how to make cannabis-infused olive oil, and how it can be used not only to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce but also help activate the cannabis compounds. Chef Shepard and Saeed discuss how different strains and terpenes can bring out different flavors in different types of olive oil. The two then make a simple tomato sauce with the infused olive oil and decarboxylated cannabis, adding fresh herbs and spices for depth and complexity.

The episode also features mixologist and bartender Sam Anderson, who shows how cannabis can be infused into a cocktail. Anderson uses a gin and herb-based mocktail that pairs well with the tomato sauce and cannabis olive oil to create a well-rounded meal experience with cannabis. They discuss the importance of knowing the proper dosage, and how to avoid certain strains that might overpower the flavor profile.

Throughout the episode, the duo discusses different ways to properly dose and infuse cannabis into a dish, emphasizing the importance of not overdoing it for fear of overwhelming the flavors. They also take into consideration how it might affect the consumer’s behavior, and how the timing of consuming cannabis can impact the overall experience.

The episode ends with a feast, where they sample the infused sauce, mocktail, and other cannabis-infused goodies from Chef Shepard. They discuss how the infusion has elevated the classic dish and how the cannabis-infused olive oil adds depth and complexity to the flavors.

In conclusion, the second episode of Bong Appetit's third season explores how cannabis can be infused into everyday kitchen staples, like marinara sauce, to elevate their flavors. Chef Shepard and Saeed provide a fun and informative look into the world of cannabis cuisine, including dosing, infusion methods, terpenes, and strain selection. The episode is a great resource for those curious about cannabis cuisine and offers an interesting way to experiment with new flavors in the kitchen.