Ep 13. A Favorite Street Food from the East

The Everyday Gourmet: The Joy of Mediterranean Cooking season 1 episode 13, titled "A Favorite Street Food from the East," explores the flavors and techniques of traditional Eastern Mediterranean street food. Hosted by Chef Bill Briwa, the episode takes viewers on a culinary journey through the bustling marketplace to discover delicious dishes that are popular among the locals.

The episode starts with Briwa introducing some of the popular ingredients used in Mediterranean cuisine, such as chickpeas, sesame seeds, parsley, and mint. He also explains the importance of using fresh and quality ingredients to create a flavorful dish. Briwa then heads to the market, where he interacts with the local vendors and gathers the ingredients he needs for his recipe.

The dish Briwa is preparing in this episode is falafel, a popular street food in the Middle East that has gained popularity worldwide. Falafels are deep-fried balls made of ground chickpeas or fava beans, usually served on pita bread with various toppings and sauces.

Briwa starts by showing viewers how to soak and cook the chickpeas to achieve the right consistency for the falafel mixture. He then blends the cooked chickpeas with herbs and spices, and shapes them into small balls using a falafel scooper. The falafels are then deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy.

Next, Briwa prepares the toppings and sauces to serve with the falafel. He shows viewers how to make a yogurt-based tahini sauce, a spicy harissa sauce, and a tangy pickled vegetable salad. He also demonstrates a simple technique for heating pita bread on the stovetop to achieve a warm and fluffy texture.

Once all the components are ready, Briwa assembles the falafel sandwich, filling the warm pita bread with the crispy falafels, pickled vegetables, and sauces. He takes a bite of the finished product and marvels at how all the flavors and textures come together in a perfect balance.

Throughout the episode, Briwa shares interesting facts and tips about the origins and variations of falafel, as well as the cultural significance of street food in the Mediterranean region. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and adaptation in cooking, encouraging viewers to add their own twist to classic recipes.

In conclusion, The Everyday Gourmet: The Joy of Mediterranean Cooking season 1 episode 13, "A Favorite Street Food from the East," is a mouth-watering exploration of the flavors and techniques of traditional Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Briwa's enthusiasm and expertise make for an enjoyable and informative viewing experience, inspiring viewers to try new recipes and broaden their culinary horizons.