Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen Season 3 Episode 9 Spanish Smoke

In season 3, episode 9 of Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen titled "Spanish Smoke," the renowned grill master takes his audience on a flavorful journey to Spain, exploring the country's rich culinary heritage and grilling traditions. The episode showcases traditional Spanish ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles, giving viewers a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula.

Raichlen starts off by showing viewers how to make a classic Spanish condiment, Romesco sauce. Made with roasted red peppers, almonds, bread crumbs, and smoked paprika, this tangy, nutty sauce is a staple in many Spanish recipes, including the grilled skirt steak that Raichlen prepares later in the episode. He also shares tips on how to make perfectly grilled piquillo peppers, another Spanish favorite.

Next, Raichlen travels to Valencia, home of the famous rice dish, paella. He meets with a local chef who gives him a lesson on how to make authentic paella over an open wood fire. Raichlen observes the entire process, from starting the fire to cooking the rice and adding the various seafood, meat, and vegetables that make up the dish. He even gets to taste the finished product and declares it the best paella he's ever had.

Back in his own grilling studio, Raichlen puts his own spin on Spanish-style grilled meats with a dish he calls Skirt Steak San Sebastian. He grills skirt steak over a wood fire, then serves it with a dollop of Romesco sauce, grilled piquillo peppers, and a drizzle of Pedro Ximenez sherry vinegar. The resulting dish is flavorful, smoky, and a perfect representation of the flavors of Spain.

Throughout the episode, Raichlen emphasizes the importance of using wood-fired grills to achieve the deep smokiness that is so integral to many Spanish dishes. He also offers tips on how to source and use some of the less common Spanish ingredients, such as piquillo peppers and sherry vinegar.

Overall, "Spanish Smoke" is a mouthwatering episode that showcases the richness and diversity of Spanish cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a curious home cook, there is plenty to learn and be inspired by in this informative and entertaining episode of Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen.