Ep 7. Traveling for Your Tastebuds

In season 1 episode 7 of Struggle Meals, titled "Traveling for Your Tastebuds," viewers are taken on a culinary journey around the world without ever leaving their kitchen. Host Frankie Celenza explores various international dishes and teaches viewers how to make them in an affordable and accessible way.

The episode begins with Frankie making a classic Mexican street food favorite, elote, which is grilled corn on the cob coated in a mix of mayonnaise, chili powder, and cheese. He also shows viewers how to make a simple yet flavorful guacamole to accompany the elote.

Next, Frankie takes his taste buds to Greece with a dish called gyros, typically made with lamb meat. However, in true struggle meal fashion, Frankie substitutes chicken thighs for the lamb to save money. He also demonstrates how to make a homemade tzatziki sauce to go on top of the gyros.

Frankie then moves on to Japanese cuisine, teaching viewers how to make a popular street food, yakitori, which are skewered and grilled chicken pieces. He shows how to make a teriyaki marinade for the chicken and serves the yakitori with a side of edamame.

Continuing with the Asian theme, Frankie then makes a Vietnamese dish called banh mi, which is a sandwich made with a baguette, pickled vegetables, and grilled meat. He uses pork shoulder for the meat, but notes that chicken or tofu can also be used. He also shares a tip on how to achieve the perfect crust on the baguette.

Lastly, Frankie travels to the Caribbean for a dish called jerk chicken. He demonstrates how to make a homemade jerk seasoning using a blend of spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cumin. He then grills the chicken and serves it with a side of rice and beans.

Throughout the episode, Frankie provides tips on how to travel and experience different cultures through food without breaking the bank. He emphasizes the importance of being flexible and creative with ingredients. He also stresses the significance of learning about different spices and how they can transform a dish.

Overall, "Traveling for Your Tastebuds" is an informative and entertaining episode that teaches viewers how to make international dishes in a budget-friendly way. Frankie's engaging personality and clever cooking hacks make this episode a must-watch for foodies and cooking enthusiasts alike.