Ep 1. Classic Mexican Food Battles

Pati's Mexican Table season 2's first episode, "Classic Mexican Food Battles," takes us on a cultural and culinary journey through the Mexican state of Puebla. Pati embarks on a mission to venture out of her comfort zone and learn about some of the most iconic dishes from this region.

Puebla is home to some of the most delicious delicacies in Mexico, and this episode puts the spotlight on traditional plates that are not usually found in typical restaurants outside of Puebla. Pati starts her journey by visiting Atlixco, a town known for its rich culinary history and vast gastronomical offerings. There, she sets out to explore one of the most delicious food battles in Mexican history - the chile en nogada.

Chile en nogada is a dish that uniquely reflects the colors and flavors of the Mexican flag. The dish is made from roasted poblano chiles stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices and then topped with a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley. This dish is the talk of the town during Mexico's independence celebrations, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Puebla. Pati takes us to a local restaurant that specializes in this dish and learns about the secrets behind their recipe.

The next dish in this episode is Taco-Arabe, or Arab Taco. This dish is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines and is believed to have been brought to Puebla by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century. Pati visits a local family with Lebanese origins that owns a restaurant specializing in this famous dish. There, she discovers how the dish has evolved over time, with each family leaving their unique mark on the recipe.

Keeping with the theme of iconic dishes in Puebla, Pati explores Molotes, a crispy masa pocket filled with delicious ingredients such as chorizo, potatoes, and cheese. Molotes is a perfect example of how innovation is a big part of Mexican cuisine. Pati visits the Mercado de Sabores in Puebla's historic downtown to taste the best molotes in the city.

Next up on the menu is Cemita, a sandwich that originated in Puebla and has become one of Mexico's most popular street foods. Cemita is a crispy sesame seed bun filled with flavorful ingredients such as avocado, cheese, meat, and a spicy salsa. Pati visits a local cemita vendor that has been perfecting the art of making this beloved sandwich for over 50 years.

Finally, in this episode, Pati learns about Chiles Rellenos de San Pedro, a dish from the town of San Pedro Cholula, which has been serving as a cultural and religious center for more than 3,000 years. This dish is similar to chile en nogada, with the only difference being the filling - chiles rellenos de San Pedro are usually stuffed with salt cod and potatoes. Pati pays a visit to a local family that has been passing down the recipe for generations and shows her how to cook this mouth-watering dish.

"Classic Mexican Food Battles" is a vibrant and engaging journey through Puebla's rich and diverse culinary offerings. Pati brings her unique perspective, passion, and expertise to this episode, showcasing why Mexican cuisine is among the most delicious and colorful cuisines in the world. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just starting your culinary journey, you don't want to miss this episode of Pati's Mexican Table.