Ep 126. The Secret Ingredient Is
- TV-PG
- March 19, 2015
On The Chew season 4 episode 126, titled "The Secret Ingredient Is," co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz are tasked with creating dishes using a mystery ingredient. The show kicks off with a discussion of the importance of trying new foods and flavors in the kitchen, and the hosts are excited to see what they're working with today.
The mystery ingredient is revealed to be mushrooms, which the hosts are all excited about. Carla Hall declares that she loves mushrooms, and Michael Symon recalls how his grandmother would use them in her cooking. The hosts then split up into pairs and set to work developing their dishes.
Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon team up to create a crispy mushroom tart, while Daphne Oz and Carla Hall go for a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich. Meanwhile, Mario Batali prepares a hearty mushroom risotto.
As the hosts cook, they share tips and tricks for working with mushrooms, including the best types of mushrooms to use for different dishes and how to clean them properly. They also discuss the many health benefits of mushrooms, such as their high nutrient content and immune-boosting properties.
Once the dishes are complete, the hosts gather around the table to sample each other's creations. They praise each other's dishes and offer suggestions for how to improve them. As they eat, they continue to chat about the many ways to use mushrooms in cooking and share their own favorite mushroom recipes.
The episode wraps up with a segment on entertaining with mushrooms, where the hosts showcase different ways to incorporate mushrooms into party menus. They demonstrate how to make easy and elegant appetizers featuring mushrooms and offer tips for pairing them with different wines.
Overall, "The Secret Ingredient Is" is a fun and informative episode that showcases the versatility of mushrooms in cooking. The hosts' enthusiasm for the ingredient is infectious, and viewers are sure to leave the episode with a newfound appreciation for the humble mushroom.
