Ep 15. Fresh Catch: Seafood of the French Riviera

Join host Justine Schofield in season 1, episode 15 of The Everyday Gourmet: The Joy of Mediterranean Cooking, as she takes viewers on a culinary journey to the French Riviera to explore the fresh and delicious seafood that the region is famous for.

In this episode, titled "Fresh Catch: Seafood of the French Riviera," Justine sets out to discover the secrets behind some of the most iconic seafood dishes from the region. From Bouillabaisse to seafood pasta and oysters, she explores the flavors, ingredients, and techniques that make these dishes so special.

Justine starts by visiting a local fish market to select the freshest seafood for her recipes. She then heads to a traditional French kitchen to start cooking, beginning with a classic Bouillabaisse. This rich, hearty fish soup originated in the port city of Marseille and is a beloved staple of the Mediterranean diet. Justine shows viewers how to make a flavorful base using tomatoes, fennel, onions, garlic, and other herbs and spices, then adds in an array of seafood varieties such as mussels, shrimp, and whitefish to create a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal.

Next up, Justine demonstrates how to make a simple yet flavorful seafood pasta using spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and fresh seafood such as prawns and calamari. She goes through each step in detail, demonstrating how to cook pasta perfectly, how to prepare seafood quickly and easily, and how to combine all the ingredients together for an authentic taste of the French Riviera.

In the final segment, Justine explores the world of oysters, a quintessential French seafood delicacy. She visits a local oyster farm and learns how these shellfish are grown and harvested, and the best ways to shuck and prepare them. She then demonstrates how to serve oysters in a variety of ways, such as with lemon and Tabasco sauce or with a shallot and red wine vinegar dressing, for a true taste of the French Riviera.

Throughout the episode, Justine shares tips and tricks for handling and cooking seafood, as well as insights into the vibrant Mediterranean food culture. With her warm and engaging personality, viewers will be inspired to try their hand at these classic seafood dishes and experience the flavors of the French Riviera in their own kitchens.

Overall, season 1, episode 15 of The Everyday Gourmet: The Joy of Mediterranean Cooking is a visually stunning and informative exploration of one of the world's most celebrated culinary destinations and is sure to delight food enthusiasts of all backgrounds.