Ravinder's Kitchen Season 1 Episode 8 Middle Eastern

Ravinder's Kitchen is a cooking show hosted by Ravinder Bhogal, an author and chef who teaches viewers how to make delicious and easy-to-follow dishes from around the world. In the eighth episode of season one titled "Middle Eastern," Ravinder uses her knowledge of Middle Eastern cuisine to create a variety of dishes that are both traditional and modern.

The episode begins with Ravinder introducing the concept of Middle Eastern cuisine and how it has evolved over the years. She explains that Middle Eastern cuisine is often thought of in terms of its individual components, such as hummus, shawarma, or falafel, but that there is so much more to explore. She shows viewers how to make a Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast, complete with shakshuka, a spicy tomato and egg dish, and a refreshing mint and cucumber smoothie.

Next, Ravinder turns her attention to mezze, the Middle Eastern equivalent of Spanish tapas. She prepares a selection of mezze dishes that are perfect for entertaining, including a creamy labneh dip, za'atar-spiced crispy roasted chickpeas, and a vibrant beet and feta salad. She also shows viewers how to make a simple but delicious flatbread from scratch.

For the main course, Ravinder takes inspiration from Lebanon's kibbeh, a dish made from ground meat and bulgur wheat. She creates her own version of the dish by using cauliflower rice instead of bulgur, and pairing it with a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. She also makes a simple yet flavorful za'atar roasted chicken, which she serves alongside a fresh and colorful quinoa salad.

To finish off the meal, Ravinder creates a Middle Eastern twist on the classic dessert of bread pudding. She takes leftover flatbread from earlier in the episode and turns it into a rich and comforting pudding with the addition of dates, pistachios, and a warm caramel sauce.

Throughout the episode, Ravinder shares tips and tricks for working with Middle Eastern ingredients and flavors, and encourages viewers to experiment with their own variations on the dishes she presents. She also emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors and textures, and shows how even simple ingredients can be elevated with a little bit of creativity.

Overall, the eighth episode of Ravinder's Kitchen season one is a celebration of the rich and varied cuisine of the Middle East. From breakfast to dessert, Ravinder presents a range of delicious and accessible dishes that are sure to impress both seasoned cooks and novices alike.