Ep 2. Less Money, More Moroccan

In season 1 episode 2 of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, titled "Less Money, More Moroccan," Melissa proves that you can travel the world with your taste buds without breaking the bank. She cooks up a delicious batch of Moroccan-style dishes in under $10 for her family and friends.

The episode kicks off with Melissa introducing her guests to the exotic flavors and ingredients they will be using to create their Moroccan feast. Melissa emphasizes that cooking a meal that is full of exciting flavors doesn't have to cost a fortune. She shows her viewers how to incorporate lesser-known ingredients such as couscous, turmeric, and lots of fresh herbs to create a budget-friendly yet tasty meal.

The first dish on the menu is Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Green Olives, made with budget-friendly chicken thighs and a variety of fragrant spices and herbs such as turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and fresh ginger. The tagine gets a touch of acidity from lemons and green olives, and the entire dish is cooked to tender perfection, leaving every morsel juicy and bursting with flavor.

Next up is a simple and easy-to-make Couscous Salad with Roasted Vegetables, which is nutritious, budget-friendly, and a hearty side dish. Melissa roasts an assortment of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers and combines them with cooked whole wheat couscous to create this delicious and super healthy dish.

For appetizers, Melissa prepares Carrot Salad with Cumin and Garlic, a salad that's both budget-friendly and flavorful. Using basic ingredients like carrots, garlic, and lemon, she makes a refreshing salad that's a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

To round off the meal on a sweet note, Melissa prepares Moroccan Tea Cookies, a budget-friendly dessert that comes together in under an hour. The nutty almond-based cookies are dusted with powdered sugar and feature hints of floral rose water and fragrant cardamom - a perfect end to a delicious and budget-friendly Moroccan feast.

Throughout the episode, Melissa showcases how cooking with ingredients like turmeric, cumin, and couscous can help create wholesome, tasty meals and flavors that take one on a journey to a foreign land without having to leave their home or break their wallet. Melissa proves that eating on a budget does not mean compromising on flavor or experience.

Overall, the "Less Money, More Moroccan" episode of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian is a guide for budget-conscious cooks who want to add some exotic and affordable flavors to their meals without spending a fortune. The episode showcases the versatility and richness of Moroccan cuisine while staying true to the theme of affordability.