Ep 6. Women of Oaxaca

Pati's Mexican Table season 6 episode 6, Women of Oaxaca, takes viewers on a culinary journey through the rich traditions and flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. Host Pati Jinich's love and passion for the region and its food is evident as she explores the kitchens of some of the region's most talented female chefs and home cooks.

The episode opens with a visit to the bustling Mercado de la Merced, where Pati meets up with Trinidad Caballero, a local cook and teacher who has been sharing her family's recipes for generations. Trinidad takes Pati on a tour of the market, introducing her to unique ingredients like chilhuacle negro chilies, papaya seeds, and tejate, a traditional Oaxacan beverage made from corn, cocoa beans, and mamey fruit.

Next, Pati heads to the kitchen with chef Celia Florián, who has been at the forefront of the Oaxacan food scene for over 20 years. Celia walks Pati through the process of making tlayudas, a giant tortilla often compared to a Mexican-style pizza. Celia's version is made with heirloom corn masa, queso Oaxaca, and a variety of toppings like chorizo, avocado, and string cheese (quesillo).

Pati then visits home cook and chef Josefina López Méndez, who learned to cook from her grandmother from a young age. Josefina shares her recipe for memelas, a thick and chewy tortilla topped with black beans, salsa, cheese, and herbs. Pati's mouth waters as she watches Josefina expertly shape the masa and fry the memelas to perfection.

Later on, Pati meets up with Abigail Mendoza, one of the most celebrated chefs in Oaxaca. Abigail comes from a family of cooks and restaurateurs, and her restaurant Tlamanalli has garnered international acclaim for its innovative Oaxacan cuisine. Abigail shows Pati how to make tetelas, a triangular-shaped masa stuffed with black beans and topped with salsa and queso fresco. Pati is impressed by Abigail's attention to detail and the way she elevates traditional Oaxacan dishes with modern techniques.

The episode concludes with Pati reflecting on the important role that women have played in Oaxacan cuisine and how they continue to preserve and innovate with their cooking. She encourages viewers to seek out the stories and recipes of female cooks in their own communities, reminding us that food has the power to connect us to our culture and to each other.

Overall, this episode of Pati's Mexican Table offers a captivating look at the vibrant food culture of Oaxaca and shines a spotlight on the talented women who are at the heart of it all. With its stunning visuals, mouth-watering dishes, and heartfelt storytelling, Women of Oaxaca is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.