Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 7 Episode 1 Chick, Chick, Ole

Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian season 7 episode 1 titled "Chick, Chick, Ole" is a culinary adventure exploring the spicy flavors of Mexico. Melissa d'Arabian takes the viewers on a journey through some of Mexico's most famous dishes while keeping the budget in check.

The episode starts with Melissa showcasing how to make homemade tortilla chips from scratch. She demonstrates how to cut the corn tortillas and fry them in hot oil until they turn crispy. She seasons them with some salt and chili powder, giving them a spicy kick.

Next up, Melissa cooks up her famous five-ingredient Black Bean Soup. She starts by sautéing some onions and garlic in olive oil and then adding some canned black beans. She blends half of the soup using an immersion blender and then returns it to the pot. She garnishes the soup with some fresh tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.

For the main course, Melissa prepares some Chicken Tinga Tacos. She browns some chicken thighs in a pan and then shreds them. She then prepares the sauce by sautéing some onions and garlic and adding some diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and some chicken broth. She then adds the shredded chicken back in and simmers it for a few minutes. She serves the Chicken Tinga on top of some soft corn tortillas and garnishes them with some crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado.

To finish off the meal, Melissa prepares a refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca. She blends some fresh, juicy watermelon, with some lime juice and sugar. She strains the mixture and then pours it over some ice. She adds a slice of lime and some fresh mint to make it look more festive.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares some tips on how to keep the budget in check while still being able to enjoy bold and flavorful Mexican cuisine. She emphasizes how using simple, inexpensive ingredients can help create a delicious meal that can feed an entire family. The show is a perfect blend of cooking techniques, budgeting skills, and culinary inspiration that leaves the viewers wanting more.