Ep 2. School Lunch with a Mexican Spin

Pati’s Mexican Table is about to embark on a culinary adventure to Mexico, and it all starts with episode 2 of season 2. In School Lunch with a Mexican Spin, Pati takes viewers on a journey through the culinary traditions of Mexico and shows how to put a spin on a classic school lunch recipe.

The episode starts with Pati in her kitchen, discussing how school lunches in Mexico have evolved over the years. She explains that when she was a child, school lunches were simple, but often came with a side of beans and rice. However, as Mexican cuisine has evolved, so too have school lunches. Now, Mexican schools are well-known for their healthy and tasty meals made from fresh, local ingredients.

Pati then shares her recipe for an updated version of a classic school lunch: a torta. She takes a soft roll and spreads on a layer of refried beans, then adds a slice of queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, and sliced avocado. She finishes the torta off with a smear of mayonnaise and mustard.

After preparing the torta, Pati heads to an elementary school in Mexico City to share her recipe with the students. She discusses the importance of healthy eating and using fresh ingredients. The students are eager to try the torta, and Pati is pleasantly surprised when they all love it.

Next, Pati visits a local market to show viewers how to choose fresh ingredients for their school lunch recipes. She explains the importance of buying local and seasonal produce and gives tips on how to pick the best fruits and vegetables.

Returning to her kitchen, Pati prepares another school lunch recipe: a quesadilla. She sautés mushrooms and spinach and then layers them with cheese and tortillas. She pan-fries the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and bubbly. She also prepares a homemade salsa to dip the quesadillas in.

Pati then takes viewers to a high school in Mexico City to share her quesadilla recipe with the students. She discusses the importance of eating a balanced diet and how to make healthy choices. The students are excited to try the quesadillas, and Pati is pleased to see that they are a hit.

The episode concludes with Pati reflecting on the importance of healthy eating and the role that Mexican cuisine can play in it. She encourages viewers to try new recipes and experiment with fresh ingredients.

Overall, School Lunch with a Mexican Spin is a fun and educational episode that showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico. Pati’s recipes are delicious, healthy, and easy to make, making them perfect for anyone looking to add some Mexican flavor to their school lunch routine.