Ep 1. New Jersey, Pigs Blood & Paprikash

In the premiere episode of Bizarre Foods season 11, host Andrew Zimmern travels to the often-overlooked culinary destination of New Jersey. Known for its diners and pizza, Zimmern is on a mission to find the more obscure and unusual foods that the state has to offer.

Zimmern begins his journey at a farm in rural New Jersey where he learns about traditional pig farming practices and the use of every part of the animal, including the blood. Zimmern samples pig blood sausage and blood soup, dishes that have been passed down for generations and represent the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the community.

Next, Zimmern visits a Hungarian community in New Brunswick where he dives into the rich and hearty flavors of paprikash, a stew made with chicken, onions, and lots of paprika. Zimmern learns about the importance of using authentic Hungarian paprika for the right flavor and spends time with a family who has been making homemade paprikash for decades.

Zimmern then heads to the Jersey Shore to sample seafood and learns about the unique culinary history of the area. From fresh oysters to clam pizza, Zimmern tries it all and discovers the impact that Italian immigrants had on the local cuisine.

The episode concludes with Zimmern visiting a kosher deli in Bergen County. He samples traditional Jewish comfort food like kishka and matzo ball soup, and learns about the history and culture of the Jewish community in New Jersey.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern showcases the diverse and unexpected food culture of New Jersey, highlighting immigrant communities and local traditions. He also sheds light on the importance of using every part of the animal, supporting small-scale farming, and preserving cultural heritage through food.