Ep 4. Eggplant

Tyler's Ultimate is a cooking show featuring Tyler Florence showcasing his skills as a chef. Each episode, Tyler sets out to create the ultimate version of a classic dish, using only the best quality ingredients available. In season 1 episode 4, titled "Eggplant," Tyler is diving deep into the world of the lush and versatile eggplant to create dishes that will leave viewers wanting more.

The show opens with Tyler exploring a local farmer's market, picking out a variety of eggplants and discussing the different ways they can be used in dishes. He then heads back to his own kitchen where he expertly prepares the eggplants, removing their bitterness and maximizing their flavor. Tyler talks about how he considers eggplants somewhat of an underappreciated ingredient, and how much he loves finding ways to showcase its versatility and deliciousness.

Next, Tyler dives into preparing a delicious eggplant parmesan that will leave viewers' mouths watering. He layers it up with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, then bakes it to perfection. Tyler's version of this classic dish focuses on the eggplant, enhancing its natural flavors and textures while still remaining true to the dish's traditional roots.

For the second dish of the episode, Tyler ramps up the flavor with an eggplant stir-fry with pork and garlic. He takes classic Asian flavors and applies them to the eggplant, creating a dish that is sure to have viewers running to their kitchens to try it out. Tyler expertly cooks the eggplant and pork, then adds in fragrant garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce to create a complex and flavorful stir-fry.

Tyler's third dish of the episode is an eggplant and mushroom risotto that he describes as simply "heavenly." He explains that eggplants and mushrooms both have natural umami flavors that make them the perfect pairing for a creamy and savory risotto. Tyler expertly cooks the rice, building up layers of flavor with each addition of broth and incorporating the eggplant and mushrooms to create a dish that is truly out of this world.

Finally, Tyler shows viewers how to grill eggplant, highlighting its smoky, savory flavors. He creates a grilled eggplant baba ghanoush by blending the grilled eggplant with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dip is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with guests.

Overall, Tyler's Ultimate season 1 episode 4 is a celebration of the eggplant, showcasing its versatility and flavor in a variety of dishes. Tyler's expert cooking skills and love of the ingredient shine through in each dish, inspiring viewers to get creative in their own kitchens and explore all the possibilities of this delicious ingredient.