Ep 5. Getting Saucy

In season 4 episode 5 of Not My Mama's Meals, entitled "Getting Saucy," chef Bobby Deen puts his own spin on classic dishes with his creative sauce recipes. From a traditional spaghetti and meatballs with a twist to a unique take on barbecue chicken, Deen demonstrates how simple homemade sauces can elevate any meal.

First, Deen tackles a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, but instead of a typical tomato-based sauce he uses a rich mushroom and red wine sauce. He starts by pan-searing meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork before simmering them in the flavorful sauce. Deen also adds a touch of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra kick of acidity. The finished dish is a crowd-pleaser that takes comfort food to the next level.

Next, Deen tackles a southern staple dish with his own spin on barbecue chicken. Rather than just slathering on store-bought sauce, he creates his own tangy and sweet sauce from scratch. He starts by sautéing onions and garlic before adding ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar to make a thick sauce. Deen then grills chicken breasts and bastes them with the homemade sauce for a flavorful and juicy finish.

Deen's sauce creativity doesn't stop there as he moves on to a veggie stir-fry. He uses a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey to create a sweet and savory sauce that complements the variety of vegetables in the stir-fry. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and served over rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.

In addition to these savory dishes, Deen also whips up a sweet and spicy dipping sauce for a hearty turkey meatball appetizer. The sauce is made with honey, Sriracha sauce, and lime juice for a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This spicy dipping sauce not only complements the meatballs, but it could also work on wings, shrimp, or even tofu!

Throughout the episode, Deen emphasizes the importance of making sauces from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients, home cooks can elevate their meals and impress their guests. He encourages viewers to not be intimidated by experimenting with sauces, as they can make even the most basic meals taste gourmet.

Overall, season 4 episode 5 of Not My Mama's Meals offers delicious and creative sauce recipes that can be easily recreated at home. With these simple recipes, Bobby Deen proves that making homemade sauces is an easy and effective way to add flavor and excitement to any dish.