Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 3 Episode 8 Money Free Mediterranean

Melissa d'Arabian, the author of the cookbook "Ten Dollar Dinners," is back with season 3, episode 8 titled "Money-Free Mediterranean." In this episode, Melissa takes inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, which is known for being healthy and flavorful. She shows how to create delicious meals without breaking the bank or relying on expensive ingredients.

Melissa starts by making a Mediterranean-inspired tomato salad that is full of flavor and nutrients. She uses a variety of tomatoes, including cherry, grape, and heirloom, and adds feta cheese, red onion, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with any meal.

Next, Melissa shows how to make a filling and flavorful lentil soup. She uses dried lentils, which are affordable and nutritious, along with carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. She adds in some cumin, coriander, and turmeric to give the soup a warm, earthy flavor. Melissa also shares a tip for using leftover soup to make a delicious lentil and rice casserole that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

For the main course, Melissa makes a simple yet satisfying dish of roasted chicken thighs with garlic and lemon. She uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which are usually less expensive than chicken breasts. She seasons the chicken with garlic powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and roasts it in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through. Melissa also shares a tip for how to use the leftover chicken bones to make a flavorful chicken broth that can be used in other dishes.

Finally, Melissa shows how to make a dessert that is both sweet and satisfying. She makes a delicious fruit salad with honey and cinnamon yogurt dressing. She uses a variety of fresh fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, and dresses them in a simple mixture of Greek yogurt, honey, and cinnamon. This dessert is a perfect way to end any meal on a sweet note.

Throughout the episode, Melissa emphasizes the importance of using affordable, nutritious ingredients to create meals that are flavorful and satisfying. She gives tips for how to save money on groceries and how to use leftovers to make new dishes. By following Melissa's advice, viewers can enjoy delicious Mediterranean-inspired meals without spending a lot of money.