Sandra's Money Saving Meals Season 4 Episode 8 Mediterranean Meals

Sandra's Money Saving Meals is a cooking show that offers budget-friendly meal ideas for the whole family. In season 4, episode 8, titled Mediterranean Meals, Sandra shares her favorite dishes inspired by the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.

The episode begins with Sandra introducing her audience to some of the key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine, such as olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. She explains how these simple ingredients can transform any dish and infuse it with the vibrant flavors of the region.

For the first recipe, Sandra prepares a Mediterranean pasta salad with artichokes, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives, dressed with a zesty vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. She recommends making a big batch of this salad at the beginning of the week and storing it in the fridge to have an easy and nutritious lunch option.

Next up, Sandra shows how to make a chickpea and vegetable stew, a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly evenings. She simmers chickpeas with carrots, celery, and onions in a tomato-based broth flavored with cumin, coriander, and paprika. The stew is finished with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

For the main course, Sandra prepares a classic Mediterranean dish, grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri. She marinates the lamb chops with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest, then grills them to perfection. To accompany the meat, she prepares a fresh and tangy mint chimichurri sauce, made with parsley, mint, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

To round out the meal, Sandra shows how to make a simple but delicious side dish of roasted vegetables. She uses eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers, seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano, and roasted in the oven until tender and caramelized.

Finally, for dessert, Sandra prepares a classic Mediterranean treat, baklava. She layers sheets of phyllo pastry with a mixture of chopped nuts, honey, and spices, then bakes until golden and crispy. The baklava is finished with a drizzle of sweet syrup made with sugar, water, and lemon juice.

Throughout the episode, Sandra shares tips and tricks for how to shop smart and save money on ingredients, from buying in bulk to shopping seasonally. She also offers suggestions for how to use leftovers and repurpose ingredients to reduce waste and stretch your budget.

Overall, Sandra's Mediterranean Meals episode is a delicious and satisfying showcase of the vibrant flavors and simple ingredients that make Mediterranean cuisine so popular around the world. With her easy-to-follow recipes and budget-friendly tips, Sandra will inspire viewers to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to their own kitchens.