The world of daytime television has long been a canvas for shows that bring joy, knowledge, and entertainment into our homes. Few made an impact quite like ABC’s The Chew, a show that masterfully blended the excitement of live cooking with engaging talk show segments and practical lifestyle advice. I vividly remember the buzz leading up to its series premiere, and as a devoted food enthusiast and home cook, my anticipation was through the roof! This was more than just another cooking show; it promised a fresh, dynamic approach to daily living, seen through the lens of delicious food and expert guidance.
My excitement grew even further when I received a wonderful outreach from the team behind The Chew. They offered a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, allowing me to share exclusive recipes and insightful recaps directly from the show with my readers. This partnership meant bridging the gap between national television and your home kitchen, providing direct access to the culinary magic happening on screen. To sweeten the deal, I was also thrilled to announce an upcoming giveaway featuring official The Chew merchandise! Get ready, because in the coming weeks, you’ll have the chance to win some exciting products that will bring a touch of The Chew’s charm right into your daily routine.
One of the inaugural recipes that immediately captured my attention, and undoubtedly the hearts of many viewers, was Carla Hall’s Fried Green Tomatoes. This classic Southern dish holds a special place in the culinary landscape of the South, and even in parts of the Midwest where regional identities often blend – Oklahoma being a prime example of such a cultural crossroads. Fried Green Tomatoes are an undisputed hit around these parts, embodying comfort and tradition. What truly sets Carla’s recipe apart, transforming a beloved staple into something extraordinary, is her innovative addition of a vibrant, spicy corn relish. This pairing creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, with the crispy, tangy tomatoes perfectly complemented by the fresh, zesty kick of the relish. It’s also incredibly timely, as the season for fresh, sweet corn often coincides with summer’s bounty, making it an excellent opportunity to purchase corn at its prime and enjoy this seasonal treat!
Before we dive into the delicious details of these recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the brilliant minds and personalities that formed the unforgettable cast of The Chew. This ensemble brought a unique blend of expertise, humor, and heart to the screen every day, making the show much more than just a cooking demonstration. Each host contributed a distinct flavor to the program, creating a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in food, fashion, and family life.
Imagine the ultimate grocery shopping experience: navigating the aisles with Carla Hall and Daphne Oz by your side! The sheer amount of practical wisdom and knowledge they could share about choosing the right foods would be absolutely unparalleled. Carla, with her radiant personality and profound understanding of Southern comfort food, would guide you towards the freshest, most flavorful seasonal produce, sharing stories and tips for getting the most out of your ingredients. Daphne, with her background in health and nutrition, would offer invaluable insights into making wholesome choices, deciphering food labels, and selecting ingredients that fuel your family’s well-being. Together, they represent a harmonious balance of indulgence and mindful eating, transforming what could be a mundane chore into an educational and inspiring culinary adventure, ensuring every cart is filled with both deliciousness and goodness.
Oh, Clinton Kelly! He’s the fashion fairy godmother many of us, especially those juggling busy lives, secretly wish would appear on our doorstep. With a background in fashion myself, it’s easy to relate to how life’s beautiful complexities – marriage, children, and the demands of everyday work – can sometimes lead to a wardrobe slump, leaving you working in pajamas more days than you’d care to admit. Clinton’s brilliance lies in his ability to not just curate outfits, but to truly understand and elevate personal style, empowering individuals to feel confident and look their best. He doesn’t just throw out old clothes; he helps you rediscover your fashion identity, creating a functional, fabulous wardrobe that perfectly suits your lifestyle. His segments on The Chew provided not only style inspiration but also practical, achievable advice for anyone looking to revamp their look and rekindle their confidence. Yes, Clinton, I’m still patiently waiting for that wardrobe intervention!
And then there’s Michael Symon, a chef who truly speaks the language of meat! For many families, meat is the cornerstone of dinner, making his expertise an invaluable resource for elevating everyday meals. Michael’s segments on The Chew were a revelation, teaching viewers not just recipes, but fundamental techniques for preparing everything from perfectly seared steaks and succulent roasts to flavorful stews and grilled masterpieces. He demystified the art of meat cookery, offering insights into choosing the right cuts, achieving optimal tenderness, and layering flavors that make every bite memorable. His passion for bold, delicious food is infectious, and learning from him would undoubtedly transform your approach to cooking meat, turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences for the whole family.
Last but certainly not least, Mario Batali, a culinary legend whose mastery of Italian cuisine, especially his profound love for and expertise in pasta, truly resonated with me. For me, noodles represent a genuine “first love” in the culinary world – a simple yet infinitely versatile foundation for countless delicious meals. Mario’s segments on The Chew delved deep into the heart of Italian cooking, showcasing how to create everything from rustic, homemade pasta to elegant, restaurant-quality dishes. He taught us the secrets to perfectly al dente textures, the art of balancing rich sauces, and the joy of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether it was a quick weeknight dish or an elaborate weekend feast, Mario’s recipes promised to bring authentic Italian flavors and comforting warmth to any table, making every strand of pasta a delightful journey.
Carla Hall’s Iconic Fried Green Tomatoes
Source: As proudly featured on The Chew
Carla Hall’s Fried Green Tomatoes recipe is a testament to timeless Southern cooking, elevated with her signature touch. This dish delivers a delightful contrast: tangy, firm green tomatoes encased in a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown crust. The secret to its success lies in the combination of buttermilk, which tenderizes and adds a subtle tang, and the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an extra crunchy exterior. Paired with her vibrant Spicy Corn Relish, this recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a gourmet experience, perfect as an appetizer or a standout side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large, firm green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup coarse cornmeal (for that authentic Southern texture)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, finely ground in a food processor (for maximum crispness)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (helps with browning and texture)
- A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper (adjust to your preference)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Canola oil, for frying (enough to fill your skillet about ½-inch deep)
- Spicy Corn Relish (recipe provided below)
Directions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice each large green tomato into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange these slices on a sheet tray or large plate. Season both sides generously with salt and allow them to rest for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step draws out excess moisture from the tomatoes, which is key to achieving a truly crisp fry. After resting, firmly pat the tomato slices completely dry using paper towels.
- Heat the Frying Oil: In a durable 12-inch non-stick skillet, pour canola oil to a depth of approximately ½-inch. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly, reaching a temperature of about 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a tiny pinch of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Create two separate stations for your coating process. In one medium-sized baking dish or shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, coarse cornmeal, finely ground panko breadcrumbs, baking soda, and the generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a second medium-sized baking dish or shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the large egg until they are well combined and smooth.
- Batter the Tomatoes: Take one patted-dry tomato slice and fully submerge it in the buttermilk-egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Lift the slice and let any excess liquid drip back into the bowl. Then, transfer the wet tomato slice into the dry flour mixture. Gently press the dry mixture onto both sides of the tomato slice to ensure a complete and even coating. Lightly shake off any excess flour mixture. Repeat this process for all tomato slices.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the battered tomato slices into the hot oil. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pan; fry them in batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature and achieve optimal crispness. Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color and is wonderfully crispy. Flip them only once during the frying process.
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon or a spider, carefully remove the fried green tomatoes from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined sheet tray to drain any excess oil. If desired, season lightly with a little more salt and pepper immediately after frying, while they are still hot. Serve these delectable Fried Green Tomatoes at once, ensuring they are hot and fresh, accompanied by a generous dollop of the vibrant Spicy Corn Relish.
Carla Hall’s Bright and Spicy Corn Relish
Source: A perfect complement from The Chew, by Carla Hall
This Spicy Corn Relish by Carla Hall is an absolute game-changer, especially when paired with her Fried Green Tomatoes. It offers a fresh, zesty, and subtly spicy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the fried dish, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. Beyond being a stellar accompaniment, this relish is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes, from grilled fish and chicken to serving as a lively salsa for tortilla chips. Using fresh corn when it’s in season is highly recommended, as its natural sweetness and crisp texture truly make this relish sing.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked and cleaned (don’t discard the cobs, they hold extra flavor!)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño or serrano peppers (adjust quantity based on desired heat level)
- ½ cup red tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Corn: Begin by carefully cutting the fresh corn kernels from the cobs. For an efficient method, stand each cob upright in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to slice downwards, removing the kernels. After the kernels are removed, use the back of your knife or a large spoon to scrape the cobs. This technique helps extract the milky juices, or “corn milk” as Carla’s granny fondly called it, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your relish. Pro Tip: Don’t throw away those scraped cobs! You can steep them in water with a bay leaf to create a simple yet flavorful corn broth, perfect for enriching future soups, risottos, or stews.
- Sauté the Corn Mixture: In a medium skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the fresh corn kernels and cook quickly, stirring frequently, until the corn becomes crisp-tender, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and your minced jalapeño or serrano peppers. Continue to cook, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant, typically about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the corn mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Combine the Relish Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled corn mixture with the remaining fresh ingredients: the finely diced red tomatoes, finely minced red onion, roughly chopped fresh parsley, white vinegar, fresh lime juice, and vibrant lime zest. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the relish and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to perfectly balance the flavors. This versatile relish is delicious served warm, which is particularly delightful over the hot fried green tomatoes, or at room temperature for a refreshing and bright side dish that can accompany almost any meal.
Beyond sharing mouthwatering recipes, The Chew was also a fantastic source of clever kitchen hacks and practical advice from its charismatic hosts. One such gem, shared by Carla Hall, provides a simple yet incredibly effective method for properly cutting peppers, specifically designed to avoid the common nuisance of scattering seeds all over your counter. This seemingly small piece of culinary wisdom can make a significant difference in kitchen efficiency and overall cleanup.
Carla’s ingenious and mess-free pepper cutting technique is as follows:
“To prevent pepper seeds from ending up scattered across your kitchen counter, there’s a simple and proper way to cut them. First, slice off the very top and bottom ends of the pepper. Next, make a single, lengthwise slit down one side of the pepper, allowing you to completely flatten it out. Then, with your knife, carefully run it across the inside of the flattened pepper to easily remove the white membrane and all the seeds in one swift motion. Finally, slice the now seed-free pepper into your desired thickness, whether it’s strips, dices, or rings. This method not only minimizes waste but also ensures an incredibly easy and mess-free preparation process!”
I genuinely love this tip! As someone who often found myself meticulously picking up stray pepper seeds after a less-than-graceful slicing job, Carla’s method was a true revelation. It’s precisely these kinds of smart, practical kitchen hacks that empower home cooks, simplifying daily tasks and demonstrating the immense value that culinary experts like Carla Hall brought to our routines through The Chew.
The premiere of The Chew wasn’t just another TV show launch; it marked the beginning of an exciting and influential era for food and lifestyle television. Its groundbreaking format, featuring a diverse panel of engaging hosts, ensured there was something for everyone, whether you were a seasoned culinary enthusiast or simply looking for practical life advice. The show’s unique blend of cooking demonstrations, heartfelt discussions, and entertaining segments left a lasting impact on how many of us approached our kitchens and daily lives. If you missed its initial run, or wish to relive the culinary inspiration it offered, I highly encourage you to seek out episodes or clips available online. Be sure to tune in to The Chew (or explore its rich archives) and engage with their vibrant community on social media, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where you can find a treasure trove of discussions, recipes, and behind-the-scenes insights.
I’ll be diligently sharing a detailed recap of the show’s highlights, along with even more mouthwatering recipes from The Chew, at the end of this week, so stay tuned for another dose of culinary inspiration right here. And as a final reminder, don’t forget that the highly anticipated giveaway featuring fantastic The Chew merchandise is just around the corner! It’s another exciting opportunity to connect with us and bring a piece of The Chew’s magic into your home.
Disclosure: Please note that this post is not a paid advertisement or endorsement. However, I was graciously contacted by the producers of The Chew with an offer to share details about their show and to host an exclusive giveaway for my readers. All recipes and accompanying photographs featured in this article were provided directly by The Chew team. My genuine enthusiasm for the show and its content is entirely my own.