Ep 1. Leading Vegetables

In season 31, episode 1 of The Pioneer Woman, host Ree Drummond shares her love for vegetables by featuring them as the main attraction of the episode. Ree is known for incorporating fresh, seasonal produce from her farm into her dishes, and in this episode, she takes viewers on a culinary journey to explore the versatility and flavor profiles of vegetables.

The first dish on the menu is a colorful and nutritious veggie stir-fry. Ree demonstrates how to perfectly cook broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and other vegetables, and then adds flavorful sauces and toppings to create a mouth-watering stir-fry that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

Next up is a delicious and hearty roasted vegetable soup. Ree explains how roasting vegetables in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors. She combines roasted potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables with chicken stock and a few secret ingredients to create a soup that is comforting and satisfying.

For the main course, Ree shows viewers how to make vegetable alfredo. Instead of using traditional fettuccine noodles, Ree opts for zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, as a healthier and lighter option. She then adds a creamy alfredo sauce made with cauliflower, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and tops it off with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Finally, for dessert, Ree whips up a blackberry and caramelized onion galette. She explains that blackberries can be used in sweet or savory dishes and pairs them with caramelized onions and a buttery crust to create a unique and delicious dessert.

Throughout the episode, Ree also shares tips and tricks for prepping and cooking vegetables, such as how to properly julienne carrots and how to blanch and shock broccoli to preserve its vibrant color.

Overall, Leading Vegetables is a celebration of the beauty and flavor of vegetables and shows viewers that they can be the star of any meal. Ree's recipes are easy to follow and can be adapted to fit any taste preferences or dietary restrictions.