Ep 2. Just Add Water

In Struggle Meals season 1 episode 2, entitled "Just Add Water," host Frankie Celenza shows viewers how to make delicious and budget-friendly meals using only a few simple ingredients.

The episode begins with Frankie emphasizing the importance of utilizing the ingredients you already have in your kitchen, rather than constantly buying new groceries. He demonstrates this by making a turkey chowder using leftover turkey and frozen vegetables, which he simply simmers with chicken broth and dairy to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Next, Frankie shows viewers how to make a classic comfort food dish: mac and cheese. However, he puts his own spin on it by adding in canned tuna and frozen peas, which not only helps to stretch the meal further but also adds in protein and vegetables. He also notes that using canned goods can be a great way to save money on groceries and gives tips for picking out good quality canned tuna.

For the third dish, Frankie makes a black bean and corn salad using canned goods, frozen corn, and fresh vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of using acid, like lime juice, to brighten up the flavors of the dish, which can be especially helpful when using canned goods that may not have as much flavor.

Frankie also talks about the importance of utilizing different cooking techniques, like roasting, to add depth of flavor to simple dishes. He does this by making a roasted chicken using simple seasonings and serving it with a side of roasted vegetables.

Finally, in the dessert segment, Frankie shows viewers how to make homemade hot cocoa using simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. He also adds in a pinch of cayenne pepper for some added heat and flavor.

Throughout the episode, Frankie gives helpful tips and tricks for making budget-friendly meals, including meal planning, utilizing freezer and pantry staples, and taking advantage of seasonal produce. He also emphasizes the importance of using food scraps, like vegetable scraps and chicken bones, to make flavorful stocks and broths.

Overall, "Just Add Water" is a great episode for anyone looking to save money on groceries and create delicious meals with minimal ingredients. Frankie's easy-to-follow recipes and budget-friendly tips make it possible to create satisfying meals without breaking the bank.