Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 7 Episode 11 Quarters in the French Quarter

In Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian season 7 episode 11, titled "Quarters in the French Quarter", Melissa travels to the historic city of New Orleans to explore the flavors and culture of the French Quarter. Throughout the episode, she prepares several budget-friendly dishes that are inspired by the rich Creole and Cajun cuisine of the area.

Melissa begins her culinary journey by visiting a local farmer's market, where she finds fresh produce and ingredients that she will use in her recipes. She then heads to her kitchen to start preparing her first dish, a classic jambalaya. She uses chicken, sausage, and plenty of vegetables to create a flavorful and filling meal that can feed a family of four for only $10.

Next, Melissa shows viewers how to make a savory shrimp gumbo. She uses a roux to thicken the broth and adds in shrimp and okra for an authentic taste. She also demonstrates how to make a quick and easy side dish of dirty rice, which uses ground pork and spices to create a flavorful accompaniment to the gumbo.

Melissa's next dish is a spicy red beans and rice dish, which is a staple of New Orleans cuisine. She uses canned beans and sausage to keep the cost low and adds in plenty of spices and vegetables for a burst of flavor. She also prepares a fresh and zesty cucumber salad to serve alongside the beans and rice.

Finally, Melissa shares her recipe for a decadent bread pudding with bourbon sauce. She uses stale bread, eggs, and milk to create a creamy and custardy bread pudding, which she tops with a rich and boozy sauce. This dessert is a perfect way to end a meal and satisfies even the sweetest of tooth.

Throughout the episode, Melissa highlights some of the unique culinary and cultural traditions of the French Quarter, such as making a roux for gumbo and the use of spicy and aromatic spices. She also emphasizes the importance of using fresh and local ingredients whenever possible and shows how easily even the most complex dishes can be made on a budget.

Overall, "Quarters in the French Quarter" is a delicious and informative episode that showcases the rich cuisine and history of New Orleans. Melissa's recipes are easy to follow and use ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store. Whether viewers are looking to explore a new culinary tradition or simply looking for a budget-friendly meal, this episode of Ten Dollar Dinners is a must-watch.