Ep 8. Hearty Mediterranean at Home

In season 20 episode 8 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Hearty Mediterranean at Home," the renowned chefs at America's Test Kitchen dive into the world of Mediterranean cuisine, creating hearty and satisfying dishes that can be easily made at home.

The episode starts with a delicious recipe for Chicken Shawarma, which is made from chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and paprika. The chefs use a sheet pan to cook the chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. They also demonstrate how to prepare a simple garlic-yogurt sauce to complement the dish.

Next, the chefs tackle a classic Greek dish: Spanakopita. They take the layers of flaky phyllo dough and mix it with a sautéed blend of spinach, feta cheese, and eggs. The result is a savory pastry that can be served as a side dish or even as a main course.

Moving on to the main course, the chefs prepare a hearty Lamb Ragù with Red Wine. They use a combination of lamb shoulder and lamb shanks to make the ragù, which results in a rich and flavorful sauce. The chefs explain how to brown the meat properly and how to deglaze the pan with red wine to create depth of flavor. This dish makes for a perfect cold-weather meal that can be served with pasta or crusty bread.

Finally, the episode ends with a side dish of Roasted Carrots with Harissa Yogurt. The chefs roast the carrots in the oven to bring out their sweetness and then serve them with a spicy harissa-yogurt sauce, which balances out the sweetness of the carrots perfectly.

Throughout the episode, the chefs at America's Test Kitchen provide valuable tips and tricks for home cooks to make these dishes with ease, as well as explain the history and background of Mediterranean cuisine. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for the flavors and ingredients of this delicious cuisine and will be eager to try these recipes in their own kitchens.