Slow Cooker Braised Lemongrass Pork Chops

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit sushi master Nozomu Abe at his celebrated omakase restaurant, Sushi Noz in NYC. Noz has been perfecting his craft for over 20 years, and it shows in his obsessive attention to detail when it comes to his food and the exclusive dinner experiences he offers. At Sushi Noz you will find Edomae sushi, a style that focuses on the treatment of ingredients through preservation of the fish, and a particular preparation of the rice. These processes are all part of the performance Abe puts on for his diners at his counter every night. When it comes to his favorite tools, he shows us both his prep and counter knives; His binchōtan coals and gril,l which he brings out to show customers how he sears and smokes delicate morsels of tuna or eel. After that he talks to us about the most important element of sushi, and the tool that is essential for him to make it: the rice and his traditional hagama. Setting the stage for his performance, is a space carefully curated to look, smell and feel like a traditional omakase in Japan, complete with a traditional hinoki refrigerator that he specifically commissioned for the restaurant, and a beautiful collection of Japanese ceramics both old and new, that lend the final touches to this unique food experience.

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit the amazing Einat Admony, owner and head chef of Balaboosta, Kish-Kash and the Taïm chain in NYC. Einat is an expert on all things couscous - to the point that the entire menu at her former restaurant, Kish-Kash, to the Moroccan preparation of these delicious semolina pearls. She talks us through her favorite, and ultimately essential tools, that she uses in the kitchen to make delicious couscous-centric creations. Everything from her favorite brand of semolina, to a kish-kash (Moroccan sieve specifically used to make the beads), a double boiler, a spray bottle, and an ancient cooking tool that is making a comeback, called spurtle. Watch to learn how Einat makes couscous by hand, and why these are her essential tools.

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit Jered Standing, owner and head butcher at Standing's Butchery in Los Angeles. Jered talks us through his favorite tools as he demonstrates how he breaks down a pig to make sausages. Everything from a boning knife, to a bone saw, all the way to the sausage stuffer, with an unexpected incursion from a utility knife. Watch to learn more about why these are Jered's essential tools and how he uses them in his butchery.

A simple but delicious version of Japanese ramen, this soup starts with pork cooked to perfect tenderness in the crock pot, with garlic, ginger, leeks, mushrooms, and onions rounding out the flavors. The noodles are cooked separately just before serving, then the shredded pork and fragrant broth, with a little soy and sesame oil added, are ladled over top. A soft boiled egg makes a great garnish, as do shredded scallions or chopped baby spinach. Add some chile oil or Sriracha if you want to spice things up. Read more.

Spicy pulled pork makes for great sandwiches, tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, and since all the ingredients go in the slow cooker at once, it's foolproof and easy as can be. Read more.

A protein-packed, savory, filling, warm dish great for cold days, and an amazing compliment to summer favorites like hot dogs and nachos. Read more.

This easy, classic chicken soup is made in the slow cooker, so it's more convenient than grandma's, but just as tasty. You can add egg noodles or your favorite type of rice to the golden broth and tender chicken and vegetables to bulk it up. Read more.