Ep 10. Selena + Aarti Sequeira: Friendsgiving

Selena + Chef season 2 episode 10, titled "Selena + Aarti Sequeira: Friendsgiving," sees Selena Gomez cooking up a storm with chef Aarti Sequeira to create the perfect Friendsgiving feast. Aarti, a cookbook author and host of Food Network's "Aarti Party," guides Selena through the preparation of classic Thanksgiving dishes with a twist, inspired by Aarti's Indian heritage.

The episode begins with Selena and Aarti discussing the significance of Friendsgiving, a holiday where friends come together to celebrate and give thanks. Selena shares her love for cooking and admits that she's never made a full Thanksgiving meal before. Aarti reassures her that with a few tips and tricks, she can create a delicious spread that her friends will love.

The duo starts with the main dish, a turkey, which Aarti recommends brining overnight to infuse flavor and keep the meat moist. Selena, who is a self-proclaimed novice when it comes to handling raw meat, gets a little squeamish but ultimately powers through to get the job done.

Next up is a dish that's a little less traditional - Indian-inspired mac and cheese. Aarti demonstrates how to add spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander to the classic American comfort food, creating a unique flavor profile. Selena gets a little intimidated by the long list of ingredients, but with Aarti's guidance, the dish comes together perfectly.

For sides, the two tackle sweet potatoes and green beans. Aarti shows Selena a recipe for sweet potatoes with a twist - a sweet and spicy maple sauce that's sure to impress. Selena admits that sweet potatoes aren't her favorite, but the combination of flavors in this dish may just change her mind. To add a little freshness to the meal, Aarti demonstrates how to make a green bean salad with toasted almonds and a tangy vinaigrette.

No Friendsgiving feast is complete without dessert, and Selena and Aarti decide to take on a classic - pumpkin pie. Aarti teaches Selena how to create the perfect pumpkin puree from scratch and gives her tips on how to prevent the crust from getting soggy. Despite a few tense moments during the pie-making process, the final result is a beautiful and delicious dessert that would make any Thanksgiving guest happy.

Throughout the episode, Selena and Aarti bond over their love of cooking and their desire to create a meal that's not only delicious but also meaningful. They discuss the importance of bringing people together, especially in a year where traditional gatherings may not be possible. The end result is a Friendsgiving feast that's both traditional and unique, with dishes that showcase Aarti's Indian heritage and Selena's newfound cooking skills.

"Selena + Aarti Sequeira: Friendsgiving" is a heartwarming episode that celebrates the joy of cooking and the power of friendship. With Aarti's guidance and encouragement, Selena creates a Thanksgiving meal that's sure to impress. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Selena's growth as a cook and the bond she forms with Aarti over food and shared experiences.