Struggle Meals Season 3 Episode 9 Spice Is Nice

In the ninth episode of season three of Struggle Meals, titled Spice Is Nice, chef and host Frankie Celenza creates dishes that pack a punch with bold flavors. He shows viewers how to use spices to elevate basic ingredients and make delicious meals on a budget.

Celenza starts the episode by demonstrating how to make a homemade spice blend using cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder. He uses this blend to season chicken thighs, which he then pan-sears and serves with a side of spicy green beans. The dish is quick and easy to make, and the spices give it a complex and satisfying flavor.

Next, Celenza makes a vegetarian black bean soup that is hearty and full of flavor. He starts by sautéing onions and garlic before adding black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. He then seasons the soup with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, which give it a smoky and spicy taste. He finishes the dish with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro.

For his third recipe, Celenza makes a spicy shrimp stir-fry with rice noodles. He begins by cooking the noodles according to package instructions before stir-frying a mixture of shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. He seasons the dish with soy sauce, garlic chili sauce, and sesame oil, which give it a savory and slightly spicy flavor. The rice noodles add texture and balance out the dish.

In the final segment of the episode, Celenza creates a dessert using spices. He shows viewers how to make a chai spice mix using cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. He then uses this mix to make a batch of chai-spiced rice pudding, which is creamy and comforting. The spices give the pudding a warm and cozy flavor that is perfect for a chilly evening.

Throughout the episode, Celenza emphasizes the importance of using spices to add depth and complexity to your cooking. He shows viewers how to make their own spice blends and encourages them to experiment with different combinations to find their favorite flavors. He also demonstrates how to stretch a budget by using affordable ingredients like beans and rice and using spices to make them taste delicious.

Overall, Spice Is Nice is a flavorful and informative episode of Struggle Meals that teaches viewers how to use spices to make tasty and budget-friendly meals. Celenza's recipes are easy to follow and adaptable to different dietary preferences, making this episode a must-watch for anyone looking to spice up their cooking game.