Ep 4. Episode 4
- October 11, 2018
In episode 4 of Salt Fat Acid Heat, host Samin Nosrat continues her culinary journey, this time exploring the diverse food culture of Mexico. The episode opens with Samin in Mexico City, where she meets up with her friend, Chef Gabriela Camara, who is known for her popular restaurant, Contramar. Together, they embark on a food tour of the city and visit one of the oldest markets in Mexico City where they taste a variety of traditional ingredients.
Samin learns about the role of corn in Mexican cuisine and how it's used to make masa, the base for traditional corn tortillas. She visits a local corn mill where she witnesses the process of making masa from scratch.
Next, Samin and Gabriela visit a family-run restaurant in the countryside outside of the city. Here, they experience a traditional Mexican feast, complete with handmade tortillas, mole, and slow-cooked pork that has been marinated in achiote paste. Samin marvels at the way the pork is cooked in a traditional underground oven known as a pib.
Moving on to the coastal town of Ensenada, Samin explores the rich seafood culture of Mexico. She heads to a local fish market, where she meets a fishmonger who teaches her about different types of fish and seafood.
At a nearby restaurant, Samin meets Chef Javier Plascencia, who is passionate about using local ingredients to create innovative dishes. They cook together and create an impressive spread that includes grilled octopus with salsa verde, cured sea bass, and oysters with a tangy mignonette sauce.
The episode ends with Samin reflecting on her experience in Mexico and how the country's diverse food culture has inspired her own cooking. She encourages viewers to try new ingredients and techniques in their own kitchens, reminding us that cooking should be a fun and creative experience.
Overall, episode 4 of Salt Fat Acid Heat is a beautiful tribute to Mexican cuisine and the importance of tradition in cooking. Samin's love for food and her willingness to learn shines through, making for an engaging and inspiring episode.
