Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 6 Episode 2 Scarpetta Swap Out

In the second episode of the sixth season of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, titled "Scarpetta Swap Out," Melissa shares her approach to creating budget-friendly meals that are packed with flavor. Melissa believes that cooking at home can be both delicious and affordable, and in this episode, she demonstrates how to make simple tweaks to classic recipes that can greatly reduce the cost of ingredients.

Melissa starts off the episode by heading to a local farmer's market to pick up fresh, seasonal produce for her recipes. She emphasizes the importance of buying what's in season, as it's often less expensive and more flavorful than produce that's out of season.

First up is a recipe for her Scarpetta Swap Out, which is a twist on a classic Italian pasta dish. Instead of using expensive, high-quality ingredients like truffles and parmesan cheese, Melissa swaps them out for more affordable alternatives, like mushrooms and grated pecorino. She also demonstrates how to make homemade pasta from scratch, which is a great way to save money on expensive store-bought pasta.

Next, Melissa shares her recipe for a budget-friendly Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry. She starts by stir-frying sliced flank steak with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, before adding in broccoli and other vegetables for a colorful, nutritious dish. Melissa emphasizes the importance of using fresh, crisp veggies to give the stir-fry a satisfying crunch.

To round out the meal, Melissa prepares a simple yet elegant dessert of Poached Pears with Honey Yogurt Sauce. This dessert is a great way to use up leftover pears, and the honey yogurt sauce adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares tips and tricks for sourcing affordable ingredients, planning meals ahead of time, and using what you already have on hand. She also shows viewers how to make the most of their kitchen appliances, like using a mandoline to slice vegetables paper-thin and a pasta maker to create homemade pasta.

Overall, "Scarpetta Swap Out" is a great episode for anyone looking to cook delicious, budget-friendly meals at home. Melissa's recipes are flavorful, creative, and easy to follow, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you're sure to find some inspiration in this episode of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian.