Ep 5. Major Flavor

30 Minute Meals is a cooking show all about quick, easy, and delicious meals that can be made in just 30 minutes. Season 8, episode 5 is titled "Major Flavor" and features chef and host Rachael Ray cooking up some seriously tasty dishes.

In this episode, Rachael is all about big, bold flavors. She starts things off with a dish inspired by classic Greek flavors - a Greek-inspired pasta salad filled with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a homemade lemon and garlic dressing. This dish is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue, and the bright and tangy flavors really pack a punch.

Next up, Rachael turns to the flavors of Italy with a chicken dish that's super simple to make but incredibly delicious. She rubs boneless chicken breasts with a blend of herbs and spices, then sears them in a hot pan until they're golden brown and crispy. The chicken is served on a bed of sautéed spinach and drizzled with a homemade sundried tomato sauce that's bursting with rich, savory flavor.

For her final dish, Rachael heads to the Caribbean with a recipe for jerk shrimp that's out of this world. She makes her own jerk seasoning blend, which includes a mix of spicy herbs and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The shrimp are quickly marinated in the spice blend, then grilled until they're perfectly tender and slightly charred. Rachael serves the shrimp with a side of tropical fruit salsa made with pineapple, mango, and lime juice.

Throughout the episode, Rachael shares plenty of helpful cooking tips and tricks that make each recipe even easier to follow. She also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to really make those flavors pop.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, "Major Flavor" is an episode that's sure to inspire you to get creative with your cooking and experiment with bold, exciting flavors. So grab your apron, fire up your stove, and get ready to cook up some seriously delicious meals in just 30 minutes flat.