In Pati's Mexican Table season 1 episode 4, titled "Tomatillos," host Pati Jinich delves into the world of tomatillos, a tart and slightly sweet fruit that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Pati starts the episode by taking viewers to a local farmer's market to pick out the freshest and most plump tomatillos available. She then heads to the kitchen to show viewers how to make a variety of dishes that highlight the unique flavor of the tomatillo.
First up is a classic salsa verde, made with roasted tomatillos, garlic, onion, and serrano peppers. Pati explains that this salsa is a great addition to everything from grilled meats to scrambled eggs, and demonstrates how to adjust the level of heat to suit your preferences. Next, she shows viewers how to make a creamy and tangy tomatillo avocado salsa, perfect for topping off fish tacos or dipping chips.
Moving on to entrees, Pati demonstrates how to make a hearty and comforting tomatillo chicken stew, which she serves with rice and warm tortillas. She also shows viewers how to make a vegetarian chile relleno dish, filled with a mixture of roasted tomatillos, sweet corn, and melty cheese.
Finally, Pati ends the episode with a sweet treat: a tomatillo and apple crisp, topped with a crunchy streusel topping and served warm with vanilla ice cream. She explains that the tomatillo adds a unique tartness to the dish that perfectly balances out the sweetness of the apples.
Throughout the episode, Pati shares tips and tricks for working with tomatillos, including how to properly roast and peel them, and how to adjust their flavor intensity by adding or subtracting ingredients. Viewers will come away from the episode with a newfound appreciation for this versatile fruit and a range of delicious new recipes to try out in their own kitchens.