Ep 4. Simple Harvest Meal

Molto Mario was a cooking show hosted by Mario Batali that aired on Food Network from 1996 to 2004. In season 1, episode 4 titled "Simple Harvest Meal," Mario focuses on creating a meal with ingredients that are in season during the fall.

The episode begins with Mario taking a trip to his local farmer's market in New York City to pick up some fresh produce. He explains that using local, seasonal ingredients is important because they are at their freshest and most flavorful, and it also helps to support local farmers.

Back in the kitchen, Mario begins to prepare a simple yet delicious meal using his newly acquired ingredients. First, he makes a dish of roasted acorn squash stuffed with a sausage and breadcrumb mixture. He explains that acorn squash is a great seasonal ingredient because it is easy to find and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Next, Mario prepares a wild mushroom and spinach pasta dish. He uses a variety of wild mushrooms, including shiitake and oyster, as well as fresh spinach to create a flavorful and hearty meal. Mario also explains that using fresh pasta is important because it cooks quicker and has a better texture than dried pasta.

For the main dish, Mario makes a roasted chicken with root vegetables. He explains that using root vegetables like turnips and carrots is a great way to add both flavor and nutrition to the dish. Mario also shows how to properly truss a chicken so that it cooks evenly and remains juicy.

To finish off the meal, Mario prepares a dessert of spiced apple tart with vanilla ice cream. He uses fresh, locally grown apples and spices them with cinnamon and nutmeg to create a warm and comforting dessert.

Throughout the episode, Mario shares tips and techniques for cooking with seasonal ingredients and how to create a balanced meal. He also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients to make the most flavorful and nutritious meals.

Overall, "Simple Harvest Meal" is a great episode for anyone looking to learn more about using seasonal ingredients in their cooking. Mario's simple yet flavorful recipes are sure to inspire viewers to head to their local farmer's market and create their own harvest meal.