Ep 2. Mexican Favorites

In “Mexican Favorites,” the second episode of Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Season 4, Christopher and his team explore authentic dishes from Mexico. They learn from Chef Pati Jinich, a James Beard Award-winning chef and culinary expert on Mexican cuisine, while taking a deep dive into the cultural and culinary history of the country.

The episode begins with Chef Pati, who grew up in Mexico City, introducing viewers to her personal take on traditional dishes like chiles en nogada, which are poblano peppers stuffed with a sweet and savory mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. To make the dish more accessible for home cooks, Kimball and his team try to simplify it and make it in less time.

Next, they explore black beans, a staple protein source in Mexican cuisine. While many people use canned beans, Chef Pati emphasizes the importance of starting with dried beans and soaking them overnight for the best flavor and texture. She also shares her recipe for black bean soup, which is flavored with smoky chipotle chiles, bacon, and lime juice and topped with crunchy fried tortilla strips.

Another dish featured in the episode is al pastor, which is a traditional Mexican street food made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma or gyro. While this method may be hard to replicate at home, the team finds a way to cook the pork in a low and slow oven roast that still results in tender and flavorful meat. They serve it with grilled pineapple, which adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory pork.

Christopher and Chef Pati also make a refreshing drink called agua fresca, which is a blend of fruit, water, and sugar. They use fresh watermelon to make a bright and summery version, but Chef Pati shares that the drink can also be made with other fruits like pineapple, melon, or cucumber.

Finally, the episode ends with a recipe for Mexican chocolate cake, which is a rich and dense cake flavored with cinnamon, chili powder, and coffee. The team notes that Mexican chocolate is different from regular chocolate because it contains sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices. The cake is topped with a creamy chocolate frosting made with whipped cream and cocoa powder, adding extra decadence to this indulgent dessert.

Throughout the episode, Chef Pati shares her expertise and passion for Mexican cuisine, explaining the significance of certain ingredients and techniques. Kimball and his team also add their own twists to the recipes, making them more accessible for home cooks while still staying true to the spirit of the dishes.

Overall, “Mexican Favorites” is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, and a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating culinary traditions from around the world.