Ep 2. Destination, Santa Fe!

In the second episode of the ninth season of 30 Minute Meals, host Rachael Ray takes viewers on a culinary journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The episode is appropriately named "Destination, Santa Fe!" and features recipes inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest.

Rachael begins the episode by introducing viewers to the vibrant colors and rich culture of Santa Fe. She explains that the cuisine of the region is heavily influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, resulting in a unique and delicious blend of flavors.

For the first recipe of the episode, Rachael prepares a Southwest-style shrimp and grits dish. She starts by sautéing garlic, onions, and red bell peppers in a hot pan, then adds diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and a generous helping of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes, Rachael adds diced shrimp and cooks them until they are pink and tender. She serves the shrimp and sauce over a bed of creamy, cheesy grits, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Next, Rachael moves on to a classic Southwest dish: chicken enchiladas. She begins by poaching chicken breasts in a mixture of chicken broth, onions, and garlic until they are cooked through and tender. She then shreds the chicken and mixes it with diced green chilies, chopped fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheese sauce made with sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese. Rachael rolls the mixture up in soft, warm flour tortillas and places them in a baking dish, then covers them with a generous amount of enchilada sauce and more shredded cheese. She bakes the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then finishes them with a sprinkle of chopped scallions.

The final recipe of the episode is a unique twist on a classic American dish: turkey and green chile meatloaf. Rachael begins by mixing ground turkey with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced green chilies, and Mexican spices, including cumin, chili powder, and coriander. She forms the mixture into a loaf and bakes it in the oven until it is cooked through and golden brown. Rachael serves the meatloaf with a flavorful side of roasted sweet potatoes, red onions, and garlic, and finishes the dish with a drizzle of tangy lime crema sauce.

Throughout the episode, Rachael provides helpful cooking tips and techniques, such as how to properly poach chicken and how to make a creamy cheese sauce without using heavy cream. She also shares interesting facts about Santa Fe and its culinary traditions, such as the region's love for Hatch chilies and blue corn.

Overall, "Destination, Santa Fe!" is a delicious and informative episode of 30 Minute Meals that showcases the unique flavors of the American Southwest. Rachael's easy-to-follow recipes are perfect for home cooks looking to add a little spice and flavor to their dinner routine.