Ep 3. The Blessing and The Benefit

Pati's Mexican Table season 9 episode 3, titled "The Blessing and The Benefit," explores the significance of food blessings and how food can be a source of healing.

The episode opens with Pati visiting a local market in Mexico to purchase ingredients for her recipes. She picks up fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats, highlighting the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients in traditional Mexican cooking.

Next, Pati prepares a traditional dish called chileatole, a hearty soup made with masa (corn dough), chiles, and chicken. Pati explains that in some Mexican communities, chileatole is served as a blessing after a baptism or other religious ceremony. The soup is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the individual who receives it.

Pati also shares a personal story about how food blessings have played a significant role in her life. She recounts how her mother would prepare a special dish with potatoes and carrots whenever someone in the family was sick. The dish was believed to have healing properties and would be served with a blessing for the sick person. Pati encourages viewers to think about how food can serve as a source of comfort and healing in their own lives.

In the second part of the episode, Pati prepares a dish called mole verde, a signature dish from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Mole verde is made with a variety of fresh herbs, including mint, cilantro, and epazote, as well as pumpkin seeds and tomatillos. Pati explains that many people believe that the combination of herbs in the mole can help with digestive issues and other health problems.

Pati also discusses how food can have both physical and emotional benefits. She shares a story about how her grandmother's cooking brought her comfort during a particularly difficult time in her life. Pati emphasizes the importance of cooking with love and intention, and how this can have a positive impact on both the cook and the person who eats the food.

Throughout the episode, Pati showcases the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Mexico, highlighting the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. She encourages viewers to think about the deeper meaning behind food traditions and how they can bring people together and nourish both the body and soul.

Overall, "The Blessing and The Benefit" is a heartwarming episode that celebrates the power of food to bring joy, comfort, and healing. Pati's personal stories and the vibrant cuisine of Mexico will leave viewers feeling inspired to cook with love and intention in their own lives.