Watch Passport Dishes

Passport Dishes is a cooking show from the Paula Deen Network that takes viewers on a culinary journey around the world. Hosted by the legendary Paula Deen, this show is perfect for food enthusiasts who crave new and exciting dishes from different corners of the globe.

Throughout the episodes, Paula shares her passion for cooking and her love for traveling with her audience. She takes the viewers on a virtual tour of different countries, exploring the various flavors and aromas of each region. From Asia to Europe, Africa to America, and everywhere in between, Paula introduces her audience to the most exquisite dishes and traditional cuisines from around the world.

Each episode of Passport Dishes is centered around a particular country, and Paula dives deep into the history, traditions, and unique culinary practices of that place. She meets with chefs, food experts, and locals, gaining insights into the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of each dish. Paula's warm and affable personality makes it easy for her to connect with people, and her genuine interest in the food and culture of each country shines through in every episode.

In every episode, Paula prepares multiple dishes, showcasing the diversity of flavors and ingredients from each country. She starts with a signature dish, the one that best represents the cuisine of that country. For instance, in the episode about Thailand, Paula prepares Pad Thai, a classic stir-fry noodle dish that is a staple in Thai cuisine. She explains the different elements that make Pad Thai so special - the tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar - and demonstrates the cooking process step-by-step.

In addition to the signature dish, Paula also prepares a few other dishes that are either traditional or have been adapted to reflect the local flavors. For example, in the Sri Lanka episode, Paula makes an Egg Hopper, a popular breakfast dish made with a fermented rice and coconut batter, shaped into a bowl, and topped with an egg. She also prepares Seeni Sambol, a sweet and spicy onion relish that is served with hoppers and other Sri Lankan bread. These dishes not only demonstrate the variety of flavors and textures of the local cuisine but also offer viewers the chance to recreate these dishes at home.

One of the standout features of Passport Dishes is its emphasis on ingredient selection. Paula takes care to source the best quality ingredients that are authentic to the region, and encourages viewers to do the same. She also gives tips on how to substitute ingredients if certain items are not available, without compromising the authenticity of the dish. For example, in the Italy episode, Paula uses San Marzano tomatoes for her tomato sauce, which she claims are the best tomatoes to use for Italian cooking. In the episode about Japan, Paula talks about the importance of using high-quality soy sauce, mirin, and sake for the best flavor.

Passport Dishes also highlights the cultural significance of each dish. Paula emphasizes the role that food plays in different cultures, and how it brings people together. By sharing stories of the origin of each dish, Paula humanizes the cuisines she is exploring and shows how the history and geography of a place influence its culinary traditions. Whether it is the communal aspect of Ethiopian food or the symbolism of certain ingredients in Chinese cuisine, Paula offers a fascinating insight into the cultural context of each dish.

In conclusion, Passport Dishes is a must-watch show for anyone who loves to cook and explore new cuisines. Paula Deen's infectious enthusiasm and warmth make her the perfect host for this culinary journey around the world. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced foodie, you are sure to feel inspired to try new recipes and learn more about the food and culture of the different countries featured in the show.