Struggle Meals Season 4 Episode 1 Warm + Cozy Winter

Struggle Meals is a cooking show that aims to make delicious and healthy meals using affordable, accessible ingredients. In the first episode of season 4 titled "Warm + Cozy Winter," host Frankie Celenza shares some of his favorite recipes for the winter season that are both comforting and budget-friendly.

The episode begins with Frankie introducing the theme of the episode: warm and cozy winter dishes. He explains that during the cold months, we often crave comfort foods that can be heavy and expensive. However, he assures his viewers that it is possible to make warm and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

Frankie starts off with a staple winter dish - potato soup. He shows how to make a creamy and flavorful potato soup using inexpensive ingredients like potatoes, onions, and chicken broth. He also adds some herbs and spices to give the soup an extra kick of flavor. Frankie emphasizes the importance of using spices and herbs to elevate the taste of budget-friendly meals.

Next, Frankie shares a recipe for a warm and filling pasta dish. He uses egg noodles as the base and adds sautéed mushrooms and onions for flavor. He then makes a creamy sauce using sour cream and milk, which he pours over the noodles and mushrooms. The final result is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.

For the main course, Frankie prepares a slow-cooked beef stew. He explains that using cheap, tough cuts of meat is a great way to make flavorful stews that are also wallet-friendly. He browns the beef in a pan and then adds onions, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. He then pours in beef broth and lets the stew simmer for a few hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Frankie serves the stew with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Finally, for dessert, Frankie makes a warm and indulgent apple crumble. He uses apples and a combination of brown sugar, flour, butter, and oats for the crumbly topping. He bakes the crumble in the oven until it is golden brown and serves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dessert is sweet, comforting, and perfect for a cozy night in.

Throughout the episode, Frankie shares helpful tips and tricks for cooking on a budget. He emphasizes the importance of using affordable, seasonal ingredients, and how to stretch your dollar by using cheaper cuts of meat. He also explains how to use spices and herbs to add flavor to simple dishes.

Overall, the first episode of Struggle Meals season 4 is a warm and cozy celebration of winter foods that won't break the bank. Frankie's recipes are simple, delicious, and accessible for cooks of all levels. If you're looking for budget-friendly meal ideas for the winter season, this episode is definitely worth a watch.