The Importance of Masa in the United States

This week, we’re talking to award-winning Chef Vishwesh Bhatt author of I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef. He talks about how he creates dishes with both the flavors of India and those of the American South. He leaves us with his unusual and delicious recipe for Whole Grilled Okra. Then, we sit down with professional chefs’ go-to person when they want to get serious about tortillas, Jorge Gaviria. We dive deep into the modern history of masa (corn dough), the famous food ingredient used to produce sopes, tamales, tortillas, and other dishes. Jorge is the Founder of Masienda and the author of Masa: Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple. He left us with his recipe for Tlacoyo, an oval-shaped masa pocket filled with puréed beans and topped with crema and salsa.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• August 26, 2022 (originally aired)
• August 11, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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