1 00:00:02,666 --> 00:00:03,300 Pati Jinich voice-over: If you've heard of Xochimilco 2 00:00:03,433 --> 00:00:04,033 in Mexico City, it's probably 3 00:00:04,166 --> 00:00:05,900 for the bustling trajineras, 4 00:00:06,033 --> 00:00:07,466 but there's a quieter side 5 00:00:07,600 --> 00:00:10,266 where still waters flow through floating gardens 6 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:12,500 and ancient farming wisdom endures. 7 00:00:12,633 --> 00:00:15,233 It's so beautiful! 8 00:00:15,366 --> 00:00:17,466 Pati, voice-over: In a traditional smoke kitchen, 9 00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:20,700 Raul Jimenez cooks food rooted in memory. 10 00:00:20,833 --> 00:00:24,000 His mission is to preserve not just recipes, 11 00:00:24,133 --> 00:00:27,200 but also the land that gives them life. 12 00:00:27,333 --> 00:00:29,400 Beneath the surface of these waters 13 00:00:29,533 --> 00:00:30,833 lives the axolotl, 14 00:00:30,966 --> 00:00:33,966 an ancient creature now endangered. 15 00:00:34,100 --> 00:00:36,966 Francisco Salvador and Omar Espinoza 16 00:00:37,100 --> 00:00:38,566 are determined to save it 17 00:00:38,700 --> 00:00:40,600 and the ecosystem it depends on. 18 00:00:40,733 --> 00:00:42,166 [Playing shell] 19 00:00:42,300 --> 00:00:45,566 Pati, voice-over: That spirit of care finds its way to my kitchen 20 00:00:45,700 --> 00:00:48,400 with an overwhelmingly green dish. 21 00:00:48,533 --> 00:00:50,233 Oh, beautiful. 22 00:00:50,366 --> 00:00:51,400 Pati, voice-over: Green pipián 23 00:00:51,533 --> 00:00:53,100 with green vegetables, 24 00:00:53,233 --> 00:00:54,633 a dish that nourishes 25 00:00:54,766 --> 00:00:57,166 and reminds us of what's worth protecting. 26 00:00:57,300 --> 00:00:58,300 Mm, mm, mm. 27 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:01,500 Pati, voice-over: And ancho chile rellenos. 28 00:01:01,633 --> 00:01:04,300 Warm, smoky, and full of meaning. 29 00:01:04,433 --> 00:01:08,533 This is the chubbiest taco that I've ever made. [Laughs] 30 00:01:08,666 --> 00:01:10,833 Pati, voice-over: A quiet meal and a reminder 31 00:01:10,966 --> 00:01:14,500 that resilience often begins right at the table. 32 00:01:14,633 --> 00:01:15,500 Whoo! 33 00:01:15,633 --> 00:01:16,500 ♪ 34 00:01:16,633 --> 00:01:17,500 Mm. 35 00:01:17,633 --> 00:01:19,266 ♪ 36 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:24,300 ♪ 37 00:01:24,433 --> 00:01:26,966 [Birds chirping] 38 00:01:27,100 --> 00:01:29,466 Pati: Mm! Mm-hmm. 39 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:31,400 ♪ 40 00:01:31,533 --> 00:01:33,600 This is so beautiful. 41 00:01:33,733 --> 00:01:34,833 That's fabulous. 42 00:01:34,966 --> 00:01:36,266 ♪ 43 00:01:36,400 --> 00:01:37,633 [Laughter] 44 00:01:37,766 --> 00:01:38,633 Mm. 45 00:01:38,766 --> 00:01:40,100 ♪ 46 00:01:40,233 --> 00:01:42,666 Está delicioso. 47 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:43,866 [Birds chirping] 48 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:44,966 [Bell rings] 49 00:01:45,100 --> 00:01:51,800 ♪ 50 00:01:51,933 --> 00:01:52,900 Announcer: "Pati's Mexican Table" 51 00:01:53,033 --> 00:01:53,900 is brought to you by... 52 00:01:54,033 --> 00:02:01,100 ♪ 53 00:02:01,233 --> 00:02:03,200 Announcer: La Costeña. ¡Por sabor! 54 00:02:04,633 --> 00:02:06,733 Announcer: From the flavors of the Caribbean 55 00:02:06,866 --> 00:02:09,300 to the tastes of Latin America, 56 00:02:09,433 --> 00:02:11,633 on the menu with Marriott Bonvoy. 57 00:02:11,766 --> 00:02:14,033 ♪ 58 00:02:14,166 --> 00:02:15,800 Men: ♪ Avocados from Mexico ♪ 59 00:02:15,933 --> 00:02:19,833 [Acoustic guitar plays Avocados from Mexico jingle] 60 00:02:19,966 --> 00:02:21,833 Announcer: Over 40 years bringing authentic 61 00:02:21,966 --> 00:02:23,766 Latin American flavors to your table-- 62 00:02:23,900 --> 00:02:25,033 Tropical Cheese. 63 00:02:25,166 --> 00:02:26,166 Eggland's Best, 64 00:02:26,300 --> 00:02:28,000 available in your grocer's egg aisle. 65 00:02:28,133 --> 00:02:29,833 Visit egglandsbest.com. 66 00:02:29,966 --> 00:02:34,833 [Acoustic guitar playing Nationwide jingle] 67 00:02:34,966 --> 00:02:37,733 [Birds chirping] [Water splashing] 68 00:02:37,866 --> 00:02:39,300 Pati, voice-over: Most mornings in Mexico City 69 00:02:39,433 --> 00:02:42,833 involve a frantic commute with 22 million people. 70 00:02:42,966 --> 00:02:47,366 Mornings deep within Xochimilco are...different. 71 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:49,533 ♪ 72 00:02:49,666 --> 00:02:52,466 Sonia Tapia, an agricultural specialist, 73 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:55,200 invited me to explore this living legacy. 74 00:02:55,333 --> 00:02:58,666 ♪ 75 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:00,833 [Speaking Spanish] 76 00:03:00,966 --> 00:03:02,366 [Speaking Spanish] 77 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:08,366 ♪ 78 00:03:08,500 --> 00:03:11,200 Pati, voice-over: Here, life starts on the water. 79 00:03:11,333 --> 00:03:14,133 Xochimilco is famous for its trajineras, 80 00:03:14,266 --> 00:03:16,700 the colorful, flower-adorned boats 81 00:03:16,833 --> 00:03:19,200 that float through the canals with music, 82 00:03:19,333 --> 00:03:21,433 food, and celebrations. 83 00:03:21,566 --> 00:03:24,533 But beyond the crowded, touristy docks 84 00:03:24,666 --> 00:03:26,800 lies a quieter Xochimilco, 85 00:03:26,933 --> 00:03:29,400 where the ancient Chinampas, or floating gardens, 86 00:03:29,533 --> 00:03:32,533 have sustained life for centuries. 87 00:03:32,666 --> 00:03:34,666 [Sonia speaking Spanish] 88 00:03:45,366 --> 00:03:47,100 ♪ 89 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:12,166 ♪ 90 00:04:12,300 --> 00:04:13,866 Pati, voice-over: Chinampas are an extraordinary 91 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,233 example of Aztec ingenuity. 92 00:04:16,366 --> 00:04:19,833 Built by layering mud, lake sediment, and vegetation 93 00:04:19,966 --> 00:04:21,466 to create fertile farmland, 94 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:23,466 these floating islands naturally 95 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:25,766 irrigate and fertilize themselves, 96 00:04:25,900 --> 00:04:28,633 making them one of the most sustainable 97 00:04:28,766 --> 00:04:30,500 farming systems in the world. 98 00:04:30,633 --> 00:04:32,200 ♪ 99 00:04:32,333 --> 00:04:35,400 But many fear this way of life is disappearing. 100 00:04:35,533 --> 00:04:39,600 ♪ 101 00:04:39,733 --> 00:04:41,733 [Sonia speaking Spanish] 102 00:04:59,433 --> 00:05:01,733 ♪ 103 00:05:01,866 --> 00:05:03,300 Pati, voice-over: Walking through the Chinampas 104 00:05:03,433 --> 00:05:06,066 feels like stepping into a painting. 105 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:08,900 Rows of vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, 106 00:05:09,033 --> 00:05:11,800 and colorful flowers stretch across the land. 107 00:05:11,933 --> 00:05:12,800 ♪ 108 00:05:12,933 --> 00:05:14,933 [Pati speaking Spanish] 109 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:23,000 [Speaking Spanish] 110 00:05:42,766 --> 00:05:45,000 ♪ 111 00:05:45,133 --> 00:05:46,600 [Pati speaking Spanish] 112 00:05:46,733 --> 00:05:48,733 [Speaking Spanish] 113 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:55,633 ♪ 114 00:05:55,766 --> 00:05:57,966 Wow. 115 00:05:58,100 --> 00:05:59,800 Pati, voice-over: Farmers here still use methods 116 00:05:59,933 --> 00:06:02,000 passed down for over 2,000 years, 117 00:06:02,133 --> 00:06:05,133 like the chapín seedbed technique. 118 00:06:05,266 --> 00:06:08,700 By shaping small pots from the rich canal mud, 119 00:06:08,833 --> 00:06:11,800 they create perfect nests for seedlings 120 00:06:11,933 --> 00:06:14,400 full of nutrients and moisture. 121 00:06:14,533 --> 00:06:17,700 It's a process as much about care and mindfulness 122 00:06:17,833 --> 00:06:19,433 as it is about farming. 123 00:06:19,566 --> 00:06:21,566 [Sonia speaking Spanish] 124 00:06:24,500 --> 00:06:25,933 Pati: Wow. 125 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:29,866 [Pati speaking Spanish] 126 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:31,000 Wow. 127 00:06:31,133 --> 00:06:33,200 ♪ 128 00:06:33,333 --> 00:06:34,266 [Pati speaking Spanish] 129 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:36,400 No. [Laughs] 130 00:06:37,233 --> 00:06:38,233 [Speaking Spanish] 131 00:06:43,566 --> 00:06:46,233 Ah. [Both laugh] 132 00:06:46,366 --> 00:06:48,966 Pati: I'm obsessing about the no chile growing. 133 00:06:49,100 --> 00:06:51,200 [Both laugh] 134 00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:55,000 Pati, voice-over: In recent decades, Chinampas 135 00:06:55,133 --> 00:06:57,566 fell into disrepair due to neglect, 136 00:06:57,700 --> 00:07:00,033 but a new generation of chefs has helped 137 00:07:00,166 --> 00:07:01,466 bring them back to life. 138 00:07:02,500 --> 00:07:05,500 In a traditional smoke kitchen in one of the Chinampas, 139 00:07:05,633 --> 00:07:09,066 Raul Jimenez prepares a vibrant pipián verde 140 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:11,233 made with pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, 141 00:07:11,366 --> 00:07:13,233 and tons of fresh herbs. 142 00:07:13,366 --> 00:07:17,366 He uses it to spoon over seasoned pork and refried beans 143 00:07:17,500 --> 00:07:18,666 in a scrumptious taco. 144 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:19,666 ♪ 145 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:21,800 [Raul speaking Spanish] 146 00:07:29,633 --> 00:07:30,633 [Speaking Spanish] 147 00:07:52,166 --> 00:07:54,166 [Pati speaking Spanish] 148 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:56,866 [Raul speaking Spanish] 149 00:07:57,000 --> 00:07:58,000 [Sonia speaking Spanish] 150 00:07:59,033 --> 00:08:00,000 [Raul speaking Spanish] 151 00:08:00,133 --> 00:08:01,166 Pati: Mm-hmm-hmm. [Sonia speaking Spanish] 152 00:08:01,300 --> 00:08:03,300 [Pati speaking Spanish] 153 00:08:04,666 --> 00:08:06,033 is like... 154 00:08:06,166 --> 00:08:08,166 [Speaking Spanish] 155 00:08:09,500 --> 00:08:11,300 [Raul and Pati laugh] 156 00:08:11,433 --> 00:08:13,200 It's like all the greens. 157 00:08:13,333 --> 00:08:15,066 [Speaking Spanish] Mm. 158 00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:19,433 ♪ 159 00:08:19,566 --> 00:08:22,266 I'm trying to bring in all the green 160 00:08:22,400 --> 00:08:24,766 from Xochimilco into my home, 161 00:08:24,900 --> 00:08:27,466 and living in this universe of green 162 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,666 to make a green pipián. 163 00:08:30,800 --> 00:08:35,033 I'm gonna get started by cooking and toasting some ingredients 164 00:08:35,166 --> 00:08:39,533 and I'm gonna tell you all about what a pipián is. 165 00:08:39,666 --> 00:08:42,633 A pipián is basically a sauce 166 00:08:42,766 --> 00:08:45,600 that lives within the universe of the moles. 167 00:08:46,633 --> 00:08:50,433 I'm adding 3 garlic cloves into my water 168 00:08:50,566 --> 00:08:52,633 that's already starting to boil 169 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:56,200 and then I'm gonna add a pound of tomatillos, 170 00:08:56,333 --> 00:08:58,000 and I think this is one of the most beautiful 171 00:08:58,133 --> 00:08:59,966 ingredients in the universe because 172 00:09:00,100 --> 00:09:04,100 it is tart, it is clear, it shines through, 173 00:09:04,233 --> 00:09:07,366 and then we're adding mostly green things. 174 00:09:07,500 --> 00:09:12,600 I'm using a jalapeño and a serrano, 175 00:09:12,733 --> 00:09:14,666 and I'm kind of thinking that I'm gonna add 176 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:16,700 two jalapeños and one serrano, 177 00:09:16,833 --> 00:09:19,666 because I want it to have a lot of flavor. 178 00:09:19,800 --> 00:09:22,900 Removing the stems. We're gonna cook these. 179 00:09:23,033 --> 00:09:28,966 And then here I have my skillet over medium low. 180 00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:31,466 When you toast your pumpkin seeds, 181 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:33,566 when they're cooked inside, 182 00:09:33,700 --> 00:09:36,100 they will begin making popping sounds. 183 00:09:36,233 --> 00:09:37,833 [Seeds popping] 184 00:09:37,966 --> 00:09:39,800 OK, so now they're starting to toast. 185 00:09:39,933 --> 00:09:41,266 [Seeds popping] 186 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:43,200 This is ready. 187 00:09:43,333 --> 00:09:46,566 You can see how much the pumpkin seeds toasted. 188 00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:49,166 Maybe a little too much, but it will still 189 00:09:49,300 --> 00:09:54,066 give a taste of toasty, nutty. 190 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:58,066 It adds a heft. It adds a depth. 191 00:09:58,200 --> 00:09:59,500 I love Dr. Seuss. 192 00:10:00,733 --> 00:10:05,433 I'm gonna let that cool for a second before I grind it 193 00:10:05,566 --> 00:10:10,466 and I wanna toast 1/3 of a cup of sesame seeds. 194 00:10:13,300 --> 00:10:15,633 OK, I'm gonna grind the pumpkin seeds. 195 00:10:15,766 --> 00:10:17,766 [Whirring] 196 00:10:18,766 --> 00:10:21,733 See, you want to turn it into dust. 197 00:10:21,866 --> 00:10:25,800 And now I'm going to add the toasted sesame seeds. 198 00:10:25,933 --> 00:10:28,733 [Whirring] 199 00:10:28,866 --> 00:10:30,533 You want to cook the tomatillos 200 00:10:30,666 --> 00:10:34,366 until they're completely soft and mushy and--oh. 201 00:10:34,500 --> 00:10:36,133 [Laughs] 202 00:10:37,733 --> 00:10:39,500 We're adding the chiles. 203 00:10:39,633 --> 00:10:42,400 If I were to play with caution or cook with caution, 204 00:10:42,533 --> 00:10:44,900 I would add one chile at a time. 205 00:10:45,033 --> 00:10:48,200 But I don't want to do that because I love it spicy. 206 00:10:48,333 --> 00:10:50,266 And I love a challenge and I love a surprise. 207 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:52,500 So I'm adding all of my chiles at the same time, 208 00:10:52,633 --> 00:10:54,466 but don't follow my lead if you don't know 209 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:56,100 how spicy you want it. 210 00:10:56,233 --> 00:11:00,633 I'm gonna add a cup of water of my cooking liquid. 211 00:11:02,066 --> 00:11:05,533 So I'm gonna add about a cup of cilantro. 212 00:11:05,666 --> 00:11:09,800 The leaves and the upper part of the stems. 213 00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:12,466 Parsley. 214 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:15,000 You can add fresh basil 215 00:11:15,133 --> 00:11:16,400 if you have it at home 216 00:11:16,533 --> 00:11:22,266 or tarragon or--make your pipián verde your own. 217 00:11:24,166 --> 00:11:28,900 I'm adding, like, 10 leaves of epazote as well. 218 00:11:29,333 --> 00:11:31,633 We're gonna add radish leaves. 219 00:11:31,766 --> 00:11:35,600 And then 3 scallions. Cutting the bottoms. 220 00:11:35,733 --> 00:11:38,200 Adding the white light green parts. 221 00:11:38,333 --> 00:11:40,766 Two teaspoons of salt. 222 00:11:40,900 --> 00:11:42,400 ♪ 223 00:11:42,533 --> 00:11:44,933 OK. We're gonna puree these until completely smooth. 224 00:11:45,066 --> 00:11:46,400 [Whirring] 225 00:11:46,533 --> 00:11:47,400 [Whirring stops] 226 00:11:47,533 --> 00:11:48,566 ♪ 227 00:11:48,700 --> 00:11:50,033 Ta-da. 228 00:11:50,166 --> 00:11:54,133 And just look. Mm. Mm. 229 00:11:54,266 --> 00:11:57,400 It is so good! 230 00:11:57,533 --> 00:11:59,500 And it hasn't even finished cooking. 231 00:11:59,633 --> 00:12:05,600 It has that velvety, silky base. This is so exquisite. 232 00:12:05,733 --> 00:12:10,966 Now, this is the added step of mole sauces 233 00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:13,233 where you season them. 234 00:12:13,366 --> 00:12:17,100 So I'm adding a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil. 235 00:12:17,233 --> 00:12:19,766 I'm gonna wait for this oil to heat, 236 00:12:19,900 --> 00:12:23,200 and then I'm gonna turn on my water in the back again 237 00:12:23,333 --> 00:12:25,100 where I cook my tomatillos, 238 00:12:25,233 --> 00:12:27,733 and I'm gonna add a little bit of salt to it. 239 00:12:29,266 --> 00:12:31,866 You don't want to add your sauce in your oil 240 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:33,233 until the oil is really hot, 241 00:12:33,366 --> 00:12:34,933 because you wanna shock the sauce. 242 00:12:35,966 --> 00:12:38,466 [Bubbling] 243 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:40,966 I'm gonna add a little bit of chicken broth. 244 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:44,933 I have 3 cups here, but I'm gonna judge by eye. 245 00:12:46,733 --> 00:12:49,400 Now I'm gonna let this cook 246 00:12:49,533 --> 00:12:52,200 until it thickens a little more, seasons a little more. 247 00:12:52,333 --> 00:12:55,100 Those puddles of fat rise to the surface 248 00:12:55,233 --> 00:12:56,533 for 30 minutes or so, 249 00:12:56,666 --> 00:12:58,333 and as this continues cooking, 250 00:12:58,466 --> 00:13:02,066 I'm gonna take turns cooking these vegetables. 251 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:03,833 The chayote is a beautiful thing. 252 00:13:03,966 --> 00:13:09,133 Quarter-inch slices. And then little matchsticks. 253 00:13:09,266 --> 00:13:11,033 That was a pound of a chayote. 254 00:13:11,166 --> 00:13:12,533 This is a pound of green beans 255 00:13:12,666 --> 00:13:14,833 and this is a pound of zucchini. 256 00:13:16,233 --> 00:13:19,233 And all these green vegetables just make me 257 00:13:19,366 --> 00:13:24,000 think about the greenness of Xochimilco 258 00:13:24,133 --> 00:13:26,966 and the Chinampas, which is 259 00:13:27,100 --> 00:13:29,400 such a treasure for Mexico. 260 00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:30,833 The chayotes are ready. 261 00:13:30,966 --> 00:13:32,733 ♪ 262 00:13:32,866 --> 00:13:34,400 Oh, these look so beautiful. 263 00:13:34,533 --> 00:13:36,966 ♪ 264 00:13:37,100 --> 00:13:40,566 Look! It should still have a crunch. 265 00:13:42,066 --> 00:13:44,700 Mm. Mm-hmm. Mm. 266 00:13:44,833 --> 00:13:46,700 Moving on. Green beans. 267 00:13:46,833 --> 00:13:49,166 The water's boiling. Adding them in here. 268 00:13:49,300 --> 00:13:52,300 And, again, it's gonna be, like, just a couple minutes. 269 00:13:52,433 --> 00:13:55,133 Let's see what's happening with our sauce. 270 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:59,833 Oh, beautiful. Look at this. 271 00:13:59,966 --> 00:14:03,666 It's very important to scrape the bottom of the pot. 272 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:05,766 OK. Taking the green beans out. 273 00:14:07,366 --> 00:14:10,233 OK. I'm gonna cook the zucchini 274 00:14:10,366 --> 00:14:12,100 directly into the mole sauce, 275 00:14:12,233 --> 00:14:16,666 then the green beans and the chayote. 276 00:14:16,800 --> 00:14:18,233 ♪ 277 00:14:18,366 --> 00:14:20,566 Oh, that looks so pretty, too! 278 00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:22,500 This is ready. 279 00:14:22,633 --> 00:14:24,100 ♪ 280 00:14:24,233 --> 00:14:26,733 Serve garnished with the sliced radishes. 281 00:14:26,866 --> 00:14:30,600 Scallions. You can eat with white rice on the side 282 00:14:30,733 --> 00:14:32,300 and warm corn tortillas. 283 00:14:32,433 --> 00:14:34,766 ♪ 284 00:14:34,900 --> 00:14:36,400 Mm, mm, mm. 285 00:14:36,533 --> 00:14:39,200 This is unexpected Mexican. This is 286 00:14:39,333 --> 00:14:42,666 take me back to the deep Mexico, Mexican, 287 00:14:42,800 --> 00:14:44,333 and this is the Mexico that you want to 288 00:14:44,466 --> 00:14:45,866 bring in your home Mexican. 289 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:54,000 ♪ 290 00:14:54,133 --> 00:14:56,100 Pati, voice-over: Xochimilco is a living reminder 291 00:14:56,233 --> 00:14:58,866 of the delicate balance between humans and nature. 292 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:01,033 ♪ 293 00:15:01,166 --> 00:15:04,066 Beneath the surface of these waters lives one of Mexico's 294 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:07,833 most beloved and magical creatures--the axolotl. 295 00:15:07,966 --> 00:15:10,100 Known as a Mexican walking fish, 296 00:15:10,233 --> 00:15:12,066 this incredible amphibian holds 297 00:15:12,200 --> 00:15:14,366 a special place in Mexico's culture. 298 00:15:14,500 --> 00:15:16,000 ♪ 299 00:15:16,133 --> 00:15:20,000 Despite its charm, the axolotl faces a fight for survival. 300 00:15:20,133 --> 00:15:21,100 ♪ 301 00:15:21,233 --> 00:15:22,766 [Speaking Spanish] 302 00:15:22,900 --> 00:15:23,900 [Speaking Spanish] 303 00:15:26,433 --> 00:15:27,933 Pati, voice-over: Francisco Salvador's family 304 00:15:28,066 --> 00:15:30,733 has lived in Xochimilco for generations. 305 00:15:30,866 --> 00:15:33,833 He's made it his life's mission to protect the canals, 306 00:15:33,966 --> 00:15:36,733 their wildlife, and the fragile ecosystem 307 00:15:36,866 --> 00:15:38,400 that supports axolotls. 308 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,200 [Speaking Spanish] 309 00:15:42,200 --> 00:15:44,700 [Pati and Omar speaking Spanish] 310 00:15:44,833 --> 00:15:48,033 Pati, voice-over: Omar Espinoza, a dedicated conservationist, 311 00:15:48,166 --> 00:15:49,633 works next to Francisco 312 00:15:49,766 --> 00:15:53,433 to reintroduce axolotls back into their natural habitat. 313 00:15:53,566 --> 00:15:57,300 For Omar, this isn't just about saving a species. 314 00:15:57,433 --> 00:15:59,866 It's about preserving a part of Mexico's soul. 315 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:01,500 [Speaking Spanish] 316 00:16:01,633 --> 00:16:03,033 [Speaking Spanish] 317 00:16:10,433 --> 00:16:11,966 Pati, voice-over: These extraordinary creatures, 318 00:16:12,100 --> 00:16:13,533 with their wide smiles and their 319 00:16:13,666 --> 00:16:16,566 unique ability to regenerate limbs, 320 00:16:16,700 --> 00:16:19,933 are deeply tied to the mythology of Mexico. 321 00:16:20,066 --> 00:16:22,933 Named after the Aztec god Xolotl, 322 00:16:23,066 --> 00:16:26,533 who transformed into an axolotl to escape sacrifice, 323 00:16:26,666 --> 00:16:28,166 they've long been a symbol 324 00:16:28,300 --> 00:16:30,333 of resilience and transformation. 325 00:16:30,833 --> 00:16:31,733 Wow. 326 00:16:31,866 --> 00:16:34,766 [Speaking Spanish] 327 00:16:34,900 --> 00:16:36,900 [Speaking Spanish] 328 00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:43,600 Wow. 329 00:17:08,533 --> 00:17:09,833 ♪ 330 00:17:09,966 --> 00:17:13,200 [Pati speaking Spanish] 331 00:17:13,333 --> 00:17:15,366 [Omar speaking Spanish 332 00:17:21,166 --> 00:17:23,333 ♪ 333 00:17:23,466 --> 00:17:26,100 Pati, voice-over: Releasing an axolotl back into its home 334 00:17:26,233 --> 00:17:28,366 is a reminder of the responsibility 335 00:17:28,500 --> 00:17:30,933 we all share to protect them. 336 00:17:31,066 --> 00:17:33,066 [Omar speaking Spanish] 337 00:17:35,233 --> 00:17:36,433 ♪ 338 00:17:36,566 --> 00:17:38,566 [Playing shell] 339 00:17:42,066 --> 00:17:45,433 ♪ 340 00:17:45,566 --> 00:17:48,033 Pati, voice-over: On the boat back to Francisco's home, 341 00:17:48,166 --> 00:17:50,233 he reflects on the beauty and challenges 342 00:17:50,366 --> 00:17:51,733 of life in Xochimilco. 343 00:17:51,866 --> 00:17:53,133 ♪ 344 00:17:53,266 --> 00:17:55,266 [Francisco speaking Spanish] 345 00:18:09,433 --> 00:18:12,133 ♪ 346 00:18:16,933 --> 00:18:18,966 ♪ 347 00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:22,400 ♪ 348 00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:31,533 [Pati speaking Spanish] 349 00:18:31,666 --> 00:18:32,733 [Francisco speaking Spanish] 350 00:18:39,566 --> 00:18:40,566 Pati: Mm-hmm. 351 00:18:43,333 --> 00:18:45,633 ♪ 352 00:18:45,766 --> 00:18:48,033 Pati, voice-over: At Francisco's home, his wife Iden 353 00:18:48,166 --> 00:18:49,766 shares a meal that feels like 354 00:18:49,900 --> 00:18:53,100 an extension of their love for this place. 355 00:18:53,233 --> 00:18:54,766 [Francisco speaking Spanish] 356 00:18:54,900 --> 00:18:58,166 ♪ 357 00:18:58,300 --> 00:18:59,966 Pati: Hola. Iden: Hola, Pati. 358 00:19:00,100 --> 00:19:02,100 [Pati and Iden speaking Spanish] 359 00:19:08,233 --> 00:19:09,500 ♪ 360 00:19:09,633 --> 00:19:11,600 [Pati and Iden speaking Spanish] 361 00:19:12,700 --> 00:19:14,533 Pati, voice-over: She's prepared a feast 362 00:19:14,666 --> 00:19:17,166 that includes romeritos con mole, 363 00:19:17,300 --> 00:19:19,100 rice, and chile rellenos 364 00:19:19,233 --> 00:19:21,800 made with both poblano and ancho chiles. 365 00:19:21,933 --> 00:19:24,366 The poblano is fresh and exuberant, 366 00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:26,866 while the ancho is smoky and bittersweet. 367 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,033 [Speaking Spanish] 368 00:19:31,300 --> 00:19:32,300 Pati: OK. 369 00:19:33,733 --> 00:19:35,733 [Speaking Spanish] 370 00:19:43,433 --> 00:19:44,466 [Laughs] 371 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:45,533 ♪ 372 00:19:45,666 --> 00:19:46,966 Mm. 373 00:19:47,100 --> 00:19:50,866 Mm. Mm-hmm. Mm. 374 00:19:55,166 --> 00:19:56,166 Whoo! 375 00:19:58,133 --> 00:19:59,533 Pati, voice-over: Each bite from my plate 376 00:19:59,666 --> 00:20:02,866 feels like being welcomed into their family's legacy. 377 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:07,066 A legacy tied to the canals and the culture of Xochimilco. 378 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:13,600 ♪ 379 00:20:13,733 --> 00:20:16,333 Hola. Ha ha ha! 380 00:20:16,466 --> 00:20:20,233 Juju, we're making ancho chile chile rellenos. 381 00:20:20,366 --> 00:20:22,333 I don't think I've ever tried ancho chile. 382 00:20:22,466 --> 00:20:23,800 Juju, they're so good. Sí? 383 00:20:23,933 --> 00:20:26,233 I think you're gonna love them. First of all, 384 00:20:26,366 --> 00:20:27,966 you know your chiles anchos. 385 00:20:28,100 --> 00:20:30,466 The chile ancho is a chile poblano 386 00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:34,300 in its ripened and dried version, 387 00:20:34,433 --> 00:20:36,500 which completely changes the taste. 388 00:20:36,633 --> 00:20:40,066 This is super important for you to know in life. 389 00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:42,133 Mm-hmm. When you want to stuff 390 00:20:42,266 --> 00:20:44,733 an ancho chile, you need to make sure 391 00:20:44,866 --> 00:20:47,866 that the ancho chiles that you get are pliable. 392 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:50,466 But to stuff them, we're gonna hydrate them. 393 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:51,500 Right. 394 00:20:51,633 --> 00:20:53,166 I put this water to boil. You've seen 395 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:54,933 the piloncillo before. Sí. 396 00:20:55,066 --> 00:20:58,933 We need to chisel a little, like a tablespoon's worth. 397 00:20:59,066 --> 00:21:00,400 Hold it. Don't put your fingers 398 00:21:00,533 --> 00:21:02,566 in the way and just chisel little pieces. 399 00:21:02,700 --> 00:21:05,833 It's just pure cane sugar juice... 400 00:21:05,966 --> 00:21:07,666 Yeah. that's cooked on its own. 401 00:21:07,800 --> 00:21:09,933 Why do we add it to rehydrate the chiles? 402 00:21:10,066 --> 00:21:12,933 Ah. Great question. That's because 403 00:21:13,066 --> 00:21:16,366 I want the simmering liquid to have flavor 404 00:21:16,500 --> 00:21:18,300 and to impart it a little on the chile. 405 00:21:18,433 --> 00:21:19,900 I think that's great. That's good. 406 00:21:20,033 --> 00:21:23,500 So I'm adding a teaspoon of salt, 407 00:21:23,633 --> 00:21:26,066 a tablespoon of white vinegar, 408 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:29,033 and then we're adding the piloncillo. 409 00:21:29,166 --> 00:21:30,700 OK, you want to throw in the chiles. 410 00:21:30,833 --> 00:21:33,566 Yeah. How long do we leave the chiles in the water? 411 00:21:33,700 --> 00:21:35,200 Just a few minutes. You just want to 412 00:21:35,333 --> 00:21:36,333 see them plump up. 413 00:21:36,466 --> 00:21:38,066 While this comes to a boil, 414 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:39,933 you can help me start mixing 415 00:21:40,066 --> 00:21:41,633 the coating for the batter. 416 00:21:41,766 --> 00:21:43,266 Yeah. We have flour. 417 00:21:43,400 --> 00:21:46,766 We have dried oregano and allspice 418 00:21:46,900 --> 00:21:49,066 and half a teaspoon salt. 419 00:21:49,200 --> 00:21:50,766 So look at this, Juju. 420 00:21:50,900 --> 00:21:52,233 Did you see how they plumped up? 421 00:21:52,366 --> 00:21:54,366 Yeah, like, more than twice the size, huh? 422 00:21:54,500 --> 00:21:57,966 Exactly. And you can see how the skin transformed. 423 00:21:58,100 --> 00:22:01,033 It's like they're coming back to life. 424 00:22:01,166 --> 00:22:02,866 OK, hold on, Juju, because we're 425 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:04,733 gonna clean the chiles. OK. 426 00:22:04,866 --> 00:22:06,766 [Speaking Spanish] 427 00:22:06,900 --> 00:22:07,933 Once they are cool enough 428 00:22:08,066 --> 00:22:09,966 to handle one by one, 429 00:22:10,100 --> 00:22:12,600 make a slit down one side of the chile. 430 00:22:12,733 --> 00:22:14,333 You get rid of the seeds. 431 00:22:15,633 --> 00:22:18,533 So help me pat dry the ones we cleaned, 432 00:22:18,666 --> 00:22:22,800 and meanwhile, I'm gonna bring the oil here to heat. 433 00:22:22,933 --> 00:22:24,633 We're gonna fry the chile. 434 00:22:24,766 --> 00:22:26,666 OK. You wanna grab that bowl? Yeah. 435 00:22:26,800 --> 00:22:28,933 Egg whites, egg yolks. Yeah. 436 00:22:29,066 --> 00:22:30,233 We need 5. 437 00:22:30,366 --> 00:22:31,600 Oh. Nice. 438 00:22:31,733 --> 00:22:33,000 ♪ 439 00:22:33,133 --> 00:22:36,033 Good. We can add a sprinkle of salt. 440 00:22:36,166 --> 00:22:38,633 As you start beating the egg whites 441 00:22:38,766 --> 00:22:40,300 until they get stiff peaks. 442 00:22:40,433 --> 00:22:42,000 Stiff peaks. Yes. 443 00:22:42,133 --> 00:22:43,833 I'm gonna start cutting the cheese. 444 00:22:43,966 --> 00:22:46,766 I love using Panela cheese for the chile relleno. 445 00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:50,166 I think that it's super delightful. 446 00:22:50,300 --> 00:22:52,033 I love it. 447 00:22:52,166 --> 00:22:53,300 This is brutal. 448 00:22:54,733 --> 00:22:55,966 Stiff peaks. 449 00:22:56,100 --> 00:22:58,666 [Laughs] 450 00:22:58,800 --> 00:23:02,266 So you can take a turn trying to stuff the chiles. 451 00:23:02,400 --> 00:23:04,433 OK. And then stuff it 452 00:23:04,566 --> 00:23:07,400 with enough filling for it to be chubby. 453 00:23:07,533 --> 00:23:08,933 Yeah, that looks good. 454 00:23:09,066 --> 00:23:11,600 Now, you can use a toothpick 455 00:23:11,733 --> 00:23:15,033 as if you were sewing, just like a seam. 456 00:23:15,166 --> 00:23:16,800 That's perfect. Sí. 457 00:23:16,933 --> 00:23:18,366 But I want to see how you do the toothpick. 458 00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:19,766 OK. I can switch with you. 459 00:23:19,900 --> 00:23:24,700 OK. If you take the seams as if you were sewing. 460 00:23:24,833 --> 00:23:27,533 You grab a toothpick and you go in and out. 461 00:23:27,666 --> 00:23:29,700 ♪ 462 00:23:29,833 --> 00:23:32,200 Now we have to incorporate the yolks. 463 00:23:32,333 --> 00:23:33,633 You can beat the yolks a little 464 00:23:33,766 --> 00:23:35,300 and then bring them in. 465 00:23:35,433 --> 00:23:37,933 ♪ 466 00:23:38,066 --> 00:23:39,933 That's beautiful, Juju. 467 00:23:40,066 --> 00:23:42,133 We need to prepare our assembly line. 468 00:23:42,266 --> 00:23:44,100 ♪ 469 00:23:44,233 --> 00:23:46,966 OK. OK. Ready? 470 00:23:47,100 --> 00:23:50,100 Baste it in the flour. Coat it. 471 00:23:51,266 --> 00:23:53,500 And here you just have to get messy. 472 00:23:53,633 --> 00:23:56,633 So you go in and you want to get 473 00:23:56,766 --> 00:23:58,833 the entirety of the chile. 474 00:23:58,966 --> 00:24:01,500 Juju, when you drop something in really hot oil... 475 00:24:01,633 --> 00:24:03,200 You wanna be slow. you want to be 476 00:24:03,333 --> 00:24:07,533 so slow and determined and really close to the oil. 477 00:24:07,666 --> 00:24:09,733 That's when people make mistakes 478 00:24:09,866 --> 00:24:13,333 and drop it from the top and it splashes. 479 00:24:13,466 --> 00:24:18,066 I'm not taking it out with tongs. Why? 480 00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:19,366 Because you're gonna deflate it. 481 00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:21,066 Yeah, because I'm gonna break the batter. 482 00:24:21,200 --> 00:24:23,333 Gorgeous. Gorgeous. OK. 483 00:24:23,466 --> 00:24:24,566 So now it's you. 484 00:24:24,700 --> 00:24:25,666 OK. 485 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:27,666 Go all in. How slow? 486 00:24:27,800 --> 00:24:30,566 Please get slowly and super close. 487 00:24:30,700 --> 00:24:33,433 Yeah. Look at the bubbles, Juju! 488 00:24:33,566 --> 00:24:34,566 Oh! 489 00:24:35,566 --> 00:24:37,033 Oh, this is-- Perfect. 490 00:24:37,166 --> 00:24:38,966 I think both are ready. 491 00:24:39,100 --> 00:24:40,800 Now we eat! OK. 492 00:24:40,933 --> 00:24:41,966 So what are we putting in the taco? 493 00:24:42,100 --> 00:24:44,333 This. A tortilla. Tortilla. 494 00:24:44,466 --> 00:24:46,466 [Speaking Spanish] 495 00:24:48,700 --> 00:24:50,066 Gorgeous. 496 00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:52,366 OK, more, yes. Ha ha ha! 497 00:24:52,500 --> 00:24:54,333 [Speaking Spanish] 498 00:24:54,466 --> 00:24:56,466 Ooh. Juju, look at this! Mm. 499 00:24:56,600 --> 00:24:57,733 Oh, my gosh. 500 00:24:57,866 --> 00:24:58,733 Cheers. 501 00:24:58,866 --> 00:25:01,266 ♪ 502 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:03,566 Mm. The ancho chile 503 00:25:03,700 --> 00:25:05,233 is insanely good. Mm. 504 00:25:05,366 --> 00:25:09,766 This has so many levels of yum. 505 00:25:09,900 --> 00:25:13,466 Fresh cream, salty cheese, buttery avocado, 506 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:15,633 but then you bite into the chile. 507 00:25:15,766 --> 00:25:19,700 I live for this, but mostly I live for this 508 00:25:19,833 --> 00:25:21,633 with you and your brothers and Papi. 509 00:25:21,766 --> 00:25:24,166 This is like--my life is so full right now. 510 00:25:24,300 --> 00:25:25,533 Mm. Me, too. Mm. 511 00:25:25,666 --> 00:25:27,433 Yum. I think we have a winner, Juju. 512 00:25:27,566 --> 00:25:37,566 ♪ 513 00:25:43,433 --> 00:25:45,533 Pati: For recipes and information from this episode 514 00:25:45,666 --> 00:25:49,200 and more, visit patijinich.com and connect. 515 00:25:49,333 --> 00:25:51,300 Find me on Facebook, TikTok, X, 516 00:25:51,433 --> 00:25:54,100 Instagram, and Pinterest @PatiJinich. 517 00:25:54,233 --> 00:25:55,100 Announcer: "Pati's Mexican Table" 518 00:25:55,233 --> 00:25:56,466 is brought to you by... 519 00:25:56,600 --> 00:26:03,766 ♪ 520 00:26:03,900 --> 00:26:05,933 Announcer: La Costeña. ¡Por sabor! 521 00:26:07,300 --> 00:26:09,466 Announcer: From the flavors of the Caribbean 522 00:26:09,600 --> 00:26:12,033 to the tastes of Latin America, 523 00:26:12,166 --> 00:26:14,333 on the menu with Marriott Bonvoy. 524 00:26:14,466 --> 00:26:16,666 ♪ 525 00:26:16,800 --> 00:26:18,433 Men: ♪ Avocados from Mexico ♪ 526 00:26:18,566 --> 00:26:22,533 [Acoustic guitar plays Avocados from Mexico jingle] 527 00:26:22,666 --> 00:26:24,733 Announcer: A tradition of authentic Latin flavors 528 00:26:24,866 --> 00:26:26,100 and family recipes. 529 00:26:26,233 --> 00:26:27,666 Tropical Cheese. 530 00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:28,800 Eggland's Best, 531 00:26:28,933 --> 00:26:30,666 available in your grocer's egg aisle. 532 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:32,500 Visit egglandsbest.com. 533 00:26:32,633 --> 00:26:37,333 [Acoustic guitar playing Nationwide jingle] 534 00:26:38,333 --> 00:26:39,966 Announcer: Proud to support "Pati's Mexican Table" 535 00:26:40,100 --> 00:26:41,166 on public television. 536 00:26:43,066 --> 00:26:45,966 ♪