Ep 13. More Than Just a Meal

Pati's Mexican Table is an Emmy-nominated cooking show that explores the traditional and modern flavors of Mexican cuisine. In season 6 episode 13, titled More Than Just a Meal, host Pati Jinich showcases the importance of food in Mexican culture beyond its nutritional value.

The episode begins with Pati visiting a local market to shop for ingredients for her meal. Along the way, she chats with various vendors, learning about the significance of the ingredients and how they are used in Mexican dishes. With her basket full of fresh produce, Pati returns to her kitchen to prepare a meal that goes beyond just providing sustenance.

Throughout the episode, Pati shares personal stories and anecdotes that illustrate how meals in Mexican culture are social events that bring people together. She discusses the importance of hospitality, how offering food to guests is a sign of affection and care. Pati also explains how meals can be used to celebrate special occasions, honor loved ones who have passed, or even heal emotional wounds.

In More Than Just a Meal, Pati prepares a variety of dishes that touch on these themes. She starts with a comforting chicken soup, explaining how it's traditionally served to sick loved ones as a way to nourish and heal. She then moves on to a colorful beet salad, discussing how it's often served at parties for its festive appearance. For the main course, Pati makes a rich mole sauce, sharing how it's a dish that takes time and effort to prepare, often reserved for special occasions. She serves it over chicken and accompanies it with rice and beans.

Throughout the episode, Pati emphasizes the importance of taking the time to enjoy meals with loved ones. She shares tips on how to make the dining experience more inviting, like setting the table with colorful linens and lighting candles. Pati also encourages her viewers to try new recipes and experiment with different ingredients, emphasizing that cooking is a way to express creativity and share love with others.

Overall, More Than Just a Meal is a heartwarming episode that reminds viewers of the power of food to bring people together and create memories. Pati's passion for Mexican cuisine shines throughout the episode, and her warm personality invites viewers to join her at the table for a delicious and meaningful meal.