Mexican Made Easy Season 3 Episode 13 Money-Saving Meals

In the season 3 episode 13 of Mexican Made Easy, chef and host Marcela Valladolid focuses on creating budget-friendly meals without sacrificing flavor. The episode begins with Marcela explaining how to save money while grocery shopping by opting for in-season produce and affordable proteins like chicken. She then demonstrates how to make a variety of delicious dishes that are easy on the wallet.

First up, Marcela shows viewers how to make an appetizer of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with ricotta cheese. She explains how to roast the peppers to bring out their flavor and adds a mix of ricotta, cotija cheese, and cilantro to create a rich and creamy filling. Marcela also shares a trick for making the dish cost-effective – using leftover rice to add bulk to the filling instead of expensive breadcrumbs.

Next, Marcela moves on to the main course – a chicken and veggie stir-fry served with rice. She explains how to make a simple sauce using soy sauce, honey, and lime juice, and then tosses the chicken and veggies in the pan to create a colorful and flavorful stir-fry. Marcela stresses the importance of preparing the ingredients ahead of time to save money and time in the kitchen.

For dessert, Marcela creates a sweet and spicy version of churros, a classic Mexican pastry. She starts by making a dough using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and water, and then adds in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fun twist. Marcela then shapes the dough and fries it until crispy, coating each piece in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat.

Throughout the episode, Marcela offers tips for saving money while cooking, such as buying chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more affordable option, and repurposing leftovers to create new dishes. She also emphasizes the importance of using basic pantry staples like rice, beans, and spices to create a variety of meals without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Money-Saving Meals episode of Mexican Made Easy is a helpful resource for anyone looking to create delicious and budget-friendly meals. Marcela's simple and approachable cooking style makes it easy for viewers to follow along at home and learn new techniques for saving money while cooking flavorful dishes.