The Mind of a Chef Season 2 Episode 7 Low Country BBQ

In season 2 episode 7 of The Mind of a Chef, titled Low Country BBQ, viewers are taken on a culinary journey to explore the flavors and techniques of traditional barbecue in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Chef Sean Brock, a James Beard Award-winning chef and authority on Southern cuisine, serves as the host and guide for this episode.

The episode begins with a visit to a local farm where Chef Brock sources many of his ingredients for his restaurant, Husk. He discusses the importance of using heirloom and locally-grown produce in his cooking, and introduces viewers to some of the unique crops grown in the region, such as benne (sesame) and sea island red peas.

Next, Chef Brock takes viewers to a neighborhood in Charleston where a group of local pitmasters gather on weekends to cook whole hogs over open pits. The chefs share their expertise on all aspects of Lowcountry barbecue, from wood selection to cooking temperatures to sauce recipes. Chef Brock even participates in the cooking process, helping to turn and baste the hog over the course of several hours.

Back in the kitchen at Husk, Chef Brock uses the cooked hog to create several mouth-watering dishes, including pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue hash, and crispy pork skins. He also discusses the differences between Lowcountry barbecue and its better-known counterpart, Texas-style barbecue. While Texas barbecue typically features brisket as the star meat, Lowcountry barbecue focuses on whole hog, and the accompanying side dishes tend to be more vegetable-based.

Throughout the episode, Chef Brock emphasizes the importance of preserving and honoring traditional Southern cooking techniques and flavors. He also highlights the vital role that food plays in Southern culture, particularly in bringing people together and fostering community.

Overall, Low Country BBQ is a fascinating exploration of a unique regional cuisine, and a celebration of the skilled pitmasters and chefs who keep the tradition alive. With its stunning visuals and mouth-watering dishes, this episode is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.