Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 5 Episode 5 Taking on Tex-Mex

Melissa d'Arabian, the host of Ten Dollar Dinners, is back with a new episode filled with flavorful Tex-Mex dishes that won't break the bank. In "Taking on Tex-Mex," Melissa dives into the world of southwestern cuisine while keeping costs low.

The episode starts with Melissa standing in her kitchen, explaining that she grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where the flavors of Tex-Mex were a part of her daily diet. She talks about how Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and Texan cooking styles, and how it's all about combining bold spices and flavors with simple techniques.

Melissa then gets to work in the kitchen, starting with her recipe for Easy Spicy Skillet Rellenos. She takes poblano peppers and stuffs them with cheese and spices, then sautés them in a skillet until they're golden brown. She serves them with a quick tomato salsa and sour cream, and the end result is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Next up is Melissa's recipe for Carnitas Tacos. She explains that carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that's made by simmering pork in spices until it's tender and flavorful. Melissa shows how to make the carnitas in a slow cooker, and then she assembles the tacos with homemade pico de gallo, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.

For a side dish, Melissa makes a Tex-Mex Corn Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. She uses fresh corn, red onions, and bell peppers, then tosses it with a homemade honey vinaigrette that gives the salad a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Finally, Melissa finishes off the meal with a dessert that's both classic and Tex-Mex-inspired: Churros with Chocolate Sauce. She shows how to make the churros from scratch using a simple dough, then fries them until they're crispy and golden. She serves them with a rich chocolate sauce that's made by melting chocolate chips and mixing in a bit of cream.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares her tips for saving money while still making delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. She emphasizes the importance of buying ingredients in bulk, using simple techniques, and making the most of leftovers. She also talks about how Tex-Mex cuisine is all about improvising and using what you have in your pantry, which makes it an affordable and accessible cuisine for home cooks of all levels.

In the end, Melissa's Tex-Mex feast proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy bold and flavorful cuisine. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, anyone can create a delicious Tex-Mex meal that's both budget-friendly and satisfying.