Tyler's Ultimate Season 4 Episode 5 Soup and Sammy

In season 4 of Tyler's Ultimate, episode 5 is all about two comforting classics: soup and sandwiches. Tyler Florence, the celebrity chef and host of the show, creates a menu that takes these simple dishes to the next level in his own inimitable style.

The first dish features a homemade soup: Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Tyler roasts tomatoes with garlic and fresh herbs, then blends them to create a velvety, rich soup. The grilled cheese croutons are made with artisan bread and a blend of Gruyere and cheddar cheeses. The croutons are dipped in egg and then pan-fried, creating a crispy and gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the soup.

Next up is a classic Reuben sandwich with a twist: Tyler's Pastrami Reuben. He starts by curing his own pastrami, then layers it with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. The sandwich is grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

To accompany the sandwich, Tyler creates a side dish of Smashed Potatoes with Crispy Shallots. Yukon gold potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and baked until crispy. Crispy fried shallots add a flavorful crunch to this comforting side dish.

For those who want a vegetarian option, Tyler also creates a grilled Portobello Panini with Arugula Pesto and Roasted Red Pepper. The Portobello mushrooms are marinated in balsamic vinegar, then grilled and layered with arugula pesto, roasted red pepper, and fresh mozzarella cheese. The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

Tyler also includes a fresh salad in the mix: Endive and Radicchio Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing. The bitter greens of the endive and radicchio are balanced with a tangy and creamy Gorgonzola dressing. Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

To round out the meal, Tyler whips up a dessert that is sure to impress: Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce. The cake is rich and fudgy, made with melted chocolate and butter. The salted caramel sauce is made with sugar, cream, and a touch of sea salt. The two together are a match made in dessert heaven.

The episode is full of helpful tips and techniques from Tyler Florence, from how to make the perfect grilled cheese crouton to how to cure your own pastrami at home. As always, Tyler's Ultimate is about taking classic comfort foods and elevating them with new flavors and techniques. With soup and sandwiches as the stars of the show, Tyler shows that even the simplest dishes can be made extraordinary with a little creativity and expertise.