Mexican Made Easy Season 3 Episode 4 Baja Med Meals

Mexican Made Easy is a cooking show hosted by Mexican-American chef, Marcela Valladolid. The show focuses on creating easy-to-follow recipes for traditional Mexican dishes that can be made at home. In season 3 episode 4, titled Baja Med Meals, Marcela explores the rich and diverse flavors of Baja California cuisine.

The episode begins with Marcela traveling to Baja California to learn more about the region's unique culinary style. She starts by visiting a local market to gather fresh ingredients for her recipes. She meets with various vendors, including fishermen who sell fresh seafood caught off the coast of Baja California, and farmers who grow fresh organic fruits and vegetables.

Marcela then heads to chef Benito Molina's restaurant, Manzanilla, in Ensenada. Benito is a pioneer of Baja Med cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican flavors with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Benito prepares a special dish for Marcela called "Piedras y Callos" which translates to "rocks and intestines". It's made with thinly sliced beef intestines that are cooked on top of a bed of hot rocks. Marcela is impressed with the complex flavors of the dish and notes how it perfectly represents the unique blend of cultures and flavors found in Baja Med cuisine.

Marcela then heads back to her kitchen to create her own Baja Med inspired dishes. She starts by making a refreshing Cucumber Lime Aguachile, a traditional Mexican dish that features fresh seafood marinated in a citrus and chili-based sauce. Marcela adds her own twist to the dish by using lime and cucumber to give it a fresh and light flavor.

Next, Marcela makes a Grilled Chicken with Fennel and Orange Salad. The dish is inspired by the Mediterranean influence on Baja Med cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of orange juice, fennel seeds, and garlic, giving it a delicious sweet and savory flavor. The salad is made with fresh oranges, fennel, arugula, and toasted almonds, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

For the final dish, Marcela creates a classic Baja California dish: Fish Tacos. She starts by marinating the fish in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and garlic. She then grills the fish and serves it in a warm tortilla with a delicious slaw made with cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice. Marcela notes that fish tacos are a staple in Baja California and that every family has their own way of making them.

In conclusion, Mexican Made Easy season 3 episode 4 takes viewers on a journey through the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Baja California. Marcela showcases the influence of Mediterranean and Asian flavors in Baja Med cuisine, while still honoring traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse food culture of Mexico.