Ep 2. Like a Pro: Weeknight Dinners

In Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics season 13 episode 2, Ina Garten takes the stress out of weeknight dinners by sharing some of her favorite recipes that are simple to make but still taste like they were made by a professional chef.

First, Ina starts by making her crispy mustard roast chicken dish, which is marinated in a delicious mixture of Dijon mustard, white wine, and garlic before being roasted to perfection. She pairs this with a simple side of roasted vegetables that are seasoned with thyme and lemon juice.

Next up, Ina shares her easy and flavorful shrimp and linguine dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The key to this recipe is in the homemade tomato sauce, which is made from canned San Marzano tomatoes and seasoned with garlic and red pepper flakes.

For a hearty and comforting meal, Ina prepares her twist on classic meatloaf by using ground turkey instead of beef and adding a tangy topping of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. She also offers a unique and flavorful vegetable side dish, featuring roasted acorn squash topped with a mix of parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and sage.

Finally, Ina concludes this episode by whipping up a quick and tasty dessert of cinnamon baked apples that are stuffed with a mixture of nuts, raisins, and brown sugar before being baked until tender and fragrant.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her valuable tips and tricks for achieving professional-level results in the home kitchen, including how to properly sear chicken and how to cook vegetables to perfection. With these easy and delicious recipes, viewers will be able to impress their families and guests with weeknight meals that are both flavorful and stress-free.