Ep 3. Jalisco Classics

In season 10, episode 3 of Pati's Mexican Table, titled "Jalisco Classics," viewers are taken on a culinary journey to the vibrant and picturesque Jalisco state in Mexico. Host Pati Jinich introduces viewers to some of the region's most iconic dishes and ingredients, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of this Mexican state.

The episode starts with Pati visiting a local market where she meets some traditional Mexican vendors who sell everything from succulent fruits to homemade cheeses. She picks up some fresh guavas, oranges, and cacti to add to her repertoire of flavors, and then makes her way to her kitchenette, a converted railway car.

Once in the kitchen, Pati gets straight down to business by prepping the ingredients for her first dish, a Mexican-style French toast known as Torrejas de Cajeta. Pati dips thick slices of bread in a cinnamon-spiced mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar before frying them until golden brown. The final touch is a generous drizzle of rich, creamy Cajeta, a sweet caramel sauce made from goat's milk.

Next up, Pati shows viewers how to make one of Jalisco's most beloved dishes, a refreshing Lime Cooler that's perfect for a hot summer's day. She combines freshly squeezed lime juice with sparkling water, sugar, and plenty of ice before garnishing with sprigs of mint and thin slices of lime.

Moving on to something more substantial, Pati throws together a hearty Black Bean Casserole that's packed with flavor. She starts by simmering dried black beans until tender before cooking up a delicious onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. The beans and sauce are then layered in a baking dish along with grated cheese, and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

In nod to Jalisco's cowboy culture, Pati makes a classic dish called Carne Asada Tacos. Carne asada is thinly sliced beef that's marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and cumin before being grilled to perfection. The tender meat is paired with soft corn tortillas and loaded up with all the traditional toppings, like fresh salsa, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

No Mexican meal would be complete without a sweet ending, and Pati's final dish is a luscious Goat Milk Flan. This decadent dessert is made by caramelizing sugar and pouring it into a baking dish before adding a mixture of goat's milk, eggs, and vanilla. The custard is then baked in a water bath until it's set and silky smooth.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of Jalisco's vibrant food scene, with its bustling markets, mouth-watering dishes, and colorful landscapes. Pati's warm and engaging personality shines through as she shares her passion for Mexican cuisine, making even the most complex dishes seem easy and accessible.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, "Jalisco Classics" is a feast for the senses that's sure to inspire you to get in the kitchen and start experimenting with all the bold flavors and vibrant ingredients that Mexico has to offer.