Ep 6. Turn Up For Tomatoes

In Struggle Meals season 2 episode 6 titled "Turn Up For Tomatoes," host Frankie Celenza takes on the challenge of making delicious dishes centered around one of the most versatile fruits, tomatoes. As always, Frankie aims to demonstrate how to make gourmet-quality meals on a budget, using only humble pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.

The episode begins with a trip to a farmer's market, where Frankie selects the freshest and most colorful tomatoes to use in his recipes. He then heads to his kitchen to create three different tomato-based dishes, each with its own unique twist.

The first recipe Frankie tackles is a tomato and cheese tart. He starts by making his own dough from scratch using just flour, salt, and water. Then, he mixes together a filling of ricotta cheese, parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. The tomatoes are sliced and arranged on top of the cheese mixture, and the tart is baked until golden brown. The resulting dish is a savory and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast.

Next up, Frankie shows viewers how to make a classic tomato pasta sauce. He starts by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan, then adds canned tomatoes and a few spices to create a rich and flavorful base. Frankie also adds a secret ingredient - carrot - to sweeten the sauce naturally. The sauce simmers on the stovetop while Frankie prepares some spaghetti. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it's tossed in the tomato sauce, resulting in a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of year.

For his final tomato recipe, Frankie gets creative with a salad. He starts by cutting the tomatoes into different shapes and sizes, then sprinkles them with salt to draw out their natural sweetness. He also adds in some cooked couscous, crumbled feta cheese, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. The result is a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

Throughout the episode, Frankie shares tips and tricks for how to make the most out of your ingredients, such as using leftover tomato sauce on pizza or adding extra herbs and spices to amp up the flavor of your dishes. He also emphasizes the importance of buying local and in-season produce, not only for taste but also for sustainability and affordability.

Overall, "Turn Up For Tomatoes" is a fun and informative episode of Struggle Meals that shows viewers how to create delicious and beautiful dishes using one of the most versatile fruits out there. Frankie's easy-to-follow recipes and budget-friendly tips make this episode a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their cooking skills without breaking the bank.