Ep 11. Hearty Favorites

In the eleventh episode of season three of Not My Mama's Meals, the focus is on Hearty Favorites. The episode kicks off with Bobby Deen, the host of the show, introducing the concept of hearty meals. He explains that these meals are typically comforting and filling, making them perfect for colder weather or days when you need a pick-me-up.

The first recipe that Bobby prepares is a classic meatloaf, but with a healthy twist. Instead of using beef, he uses ground turkey, which is lower in fat and calories. He also includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions, celery, and carrots, to add extra flavor and nutrients. To make the dish even heartier, Bobby tops it with a tangy tomato sauce and serves it with mashed sweet potatoes.

Next up is a recipe for chicken and dumplings, which Bobby says is one of his all-time favorites. He starts by poaching chicken breasts in a flavorful broth with vegetables and herbs. Then, he makes his dumpling dough from scratch, using a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Finally, he drops the dumplings into the pot and simmers everything together until the dish is hot and bubbly.

For the third recipe, Bobby tackles another classic dish: spaghetti and meatballs. But of course, he has a few tricks up his sleeve to make this dish healthier. He uses whole wheat spaghetti instead of white, which has more fiber and nutrients. For the meatballs, he uses a blend of lean ground turkey and ground beef, along with plenty of garlic and herbs for flavor. He tops the dish with a homemade tomato sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

The fourth and final recipe of the episode is for a vegetable-packed chili. Bobby starts by sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic, then adds in ground turkey and spices to give the dish a kick. He also includes a variety of beans and vegetables, such as corn and zucchini, to make the chili even heartier. He serves it with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and some freshly chopped cilantro.

Throughout the episode, Bobby emphasizes the importance of using fresh, whole ingredients in all of his recipes. He also shares tips for making dishes healthier without sacrificing flavor, such as swapping out white flour for whole wheat or using leaner cuts of meat.

Overall, Hearty Favorites is a satisfying episode of Not My Mama's Meals that showcases classic comfort foods made healthier. Bobby's recipes are easy to follow and perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, nutritious meal.