Essential Pepin Season 1 Episode 4
Essential Pepin
Season 1

Ep 4. Veg-In!

  • November 5, 2011
  • 25 min

In episode 4 of the first season of Essential Pepin, named Veg-In!, Chef Jacques Pepin takes viewers on a culinary journey showcasing his favorite vegetable-centric dishes. The episode begins with Pepin demonstrating how to prepare a classic French dish – Ratatouille. He begins by slicing eggplant, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, and onion into thin slices, which are sautéed until tender. The vegetables are then layered in a casserole dish, topped with seasoned tomato sauce, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. Pepin emphasizes the importance of using the freshest vegetables available to achieve the best taste and texture.

Next up, Pepin shares his recipe for a refreshing Cucumber Soup. Peeled and chopped cucumbers are blended with yogurt, buttermilk, fresh mint leaves, and garlic. The resulting soup is chilled and served with a garnish of chopped cucumber and mint. Pepin recommends this soup as a cool and refreshing appetizer or a light lunch option during the hot summer months.

Moving on from cold soup to a warm vegetable dish, Pepin demonstrates how to make Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Herbs. A medley of sliced root vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and leeks, are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a variety of fresh herbs. The vegetable mix is then roasted in a hot oven until caramelized and tender. Pepin notes that this dish is not only delicious but also versatile, as it can be served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes like quiches or frittatas.

In his next recipe, Pepin shares his take on a classic Italian dish, Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage. Broccoli rabe is a bitter green that pairs well with spicy Italian sausage and pasta. Pepin blanches the broccoli rabe before sautéing it with garlic, red pepper flakes, and crumbled sausage. Cooked pasta is then added to the pan, along with a splash of pasta water and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. The resulting dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.

For his final dish, Pepin prepares a Crustless Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche. This quiche is lighter and healthier than its traditional counterpart, as it does not have a pastry crust. A mix of sautéed broccoli, sliced scallions, and grated cheddar cheese is arranged in a buttered baking dish, topped with a custard made from eggs, milk, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The quiche is then baked until golden brown and puffed up. Pepin notes that this dish is a great option for brunch or as a light dinner when paired with a green salad.

Throughout the episode, Pepin offers cooking tips and techniques, as well as insights into his personal approach to cooking and his love of vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality produce and simple ingredients to bring out the best flavors in each dish. Veg-In! is a great episode for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet or to add some fresh ideas to their cooking repertoire.

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Description

In episode 4 of the first season of Essential Pepin, named Veg-In!, Chef Jacques Pepin takes viewers on a culinary journey showcasing his favorite vegetable-centric dishes. The episode begins with Pepin demonstrating how to prepare a classic French dish – Ratatouille. He begins by slicing eggplant, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, and onion into thin slices, which are sautéed until tender. The vegetables are then layered in a casserole dish, topped with seasoned tomato sauce, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. Pepin emphasizes the importance of using the freshest vegetables available to achieve the best taste and texture.

Next up, Pepin shares his recipe for a refreshing Cucumber Soup. Peeled and chopped cucumbers are blended with yogurt, buttermilk, fresh mint leaves, and garlic. The resulting soup is chilled and served with a garnish of chopped cucumber and mint. Pepin recommends this soup as a cool and refreshing appetizer or a light lunch option during the hot summer months.

Moving on from cold soup to a warm vegetable dish, Pepin demonstrates how to make Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Herbs. A medley of sliced root vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and leeks, are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a variety of fresh herbs. The vegetable mix is then roasted in a hot oven until caramelized and tender. Pepin notes that this dish is not only delicious but also versatile, as it can be served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes like quiches or frittatas.

In his next recipe, Pepin shares his take on a classic Italian dish, Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage. Broccoli rabe is a bitter green that pairs well with spicy Italian sausage and pasta. Pepin blanches the broccoli rabe before sautéing it with garlic, red pepper flakes, and crumbled sausage. Cooked pasta is then added to the pan, along with a splash of pasta water and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. The resulting dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.

For his final dish, Pepin prepares a Crustless Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche. This quiche is lighter and healthier than its traditional counterpart, as it does not have a pastry crust. A mix of sautéed broccoli, sliced scallions, and grated cheddar cheese is arranged in a buttered baking dish, topped with a custard made from eggs, milk, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The quiche is then baked until golden brown and puffed up. Pepin notes that this dish is a great option for brunch or as a light dinner when paired with a green salad.

Throughout the episode, Pepin offers cooking tips and techniques, as well as insights into his personal approach to cooking and his love of vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality produce and simple ingredients to bring out the best flavors in each dish. Veg-In! is a great episode for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet or to add some fresh ideas to their cooking repertoire.

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Essential Pepin, Season 1 Episode 4, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent Essential Pepin on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    November 5, 2011
  • Runtime
    25 min
  • Language
    English
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