Introduction to Barefoot Contessa Recipes In 2024
If you’re a fan of cooking shows or have ever browsed through cookbooks, you’ve probably heard of Ina Garten, famously known as the Barefoot Contessa. Her recipes have become staples in many households due to their simplicity, elegance, and delicious flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for your family, or simply indulging in your culinary hobby, Barefoot Contessa recipes offer something for every occasion.
Table of Contents
1. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
The Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is a simple yet impressive appetizer that elevates the classic shrimp cocktail by roasting the shrimp instead of boiling them. This method brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and adds a slight caramelization, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (12 to 15 per pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, just until pink and firm.
- For the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with the shrimp.
2. Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
These delightful tarts are perfect for a light appetizer or even a brunch option. The combination of buttery puff pastry, tangy goat cheese, and sweet roasted tomatoes is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) puff pastry, defrosted
- Olive oil
- 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (2 large onions)
- 3 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese (recommended: Montrachet)
- 1 large tomato, cut into 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices
- 3 tablespoons julienned basil leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 squares. Place the squares on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil and cook the onions and garlic over medium heat for 15 minutes, until soft. Add the white wine and thyme and cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned.
- Divide the onion mixture among the puff pastry squares, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Crumble goat cheese on top, add a tomato slice, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Garnish with basil before serving.
3. Lemon Chicken with Croutons
This Lemon Chicken with Croutons is one of Ina Garten’s signature dishes. The combination of crispy croutons and succulent roasted chicken with a burst of lemon flavor makes it a perfect choice for a Sunday dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) roasting chicken
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bulb of garlic, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups (1-inch-diced) bread cubes (use a rustic country loaf)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the chicken giblets and pat the chicken dry. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
- Stuff the cavity with the onion, lemon, and garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with melted butter and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear. Cover with foil and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan with olive oil and sauté the bread cubes until golden and crispy.
- To serve, place the croutons on a platter, carve the chicken, and serve with the croutons and pan juices.
4. Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola Sauce
For a truly indulgent meal, Ina’s Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola Sauce is a showstopper. The tender beef paired with a creamy, tangy sauce is perfect for a special occasion or holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds filet of beef, trimmed and tied
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- For the sauce:
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 3 to 4 ounces crumbly Gorgonzola
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Place the beef on a baking sheet and pat it dry. Rub with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 22 minutes for medium-rare. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Meanwhile, for the sauce, bring the cream to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes until it thickens. Remove from the heat and add the Gorgonzola, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve warm with the beef.
5. Beatty’s Chocolate Cake
No Barefoot Contessa meal is complete without one of her famous desserts. Beatty’s Chocolate Cake is a decadent, rich, and moist cake that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup good cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- For the frosting:
- 6 ounces good semisweet chocolate
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix on low speed. Add the coffee and stir to combine.
- Divide the batter between the two pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Beat the butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue to beat. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, then the coffee powder. Add the melted chocolate and mix until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cakes and serve.
6. Lemon Bars
Lemon Bars are a classic dessert that is both sweet and tart, with a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling. These are perfect for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or as a refreshing treat after a rich meal.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the filling:
- 6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the crust, cream the butter and sugar in a bowl. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Press the dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned. Let it cool.
- For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let it cool and dust with confectioners’ sugar before cutting into squares.
Nutrient Table
Recipe | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail | 120 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts | 320 | 7 | 28 | 22 | 3 | 5 |
Lemon Chicken with Croutons | 540 | 38 | 45 | 20 | 2 | 3 |
Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola Sauce | 670 | 46 | 4 | 52 | 0 | 2 |
Beatty’s Chocolate Cake | 460 | 6 | 64 | 22 | 2 | 45 |
Lemon Bars | 280 | 3 | 40 | 13 | 1 | 30 |
FAQs
What dish is Ina Garten most famous for?
Ina Garten is most famous for her Roast Chicken recipe. This dish has become iconic, often associated with her simple yet elegant cooking style. The recipe’s popularity even earned it the nickname “Engagement Chicken” because it’s so good that it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals!
What happened to Barefoot Contessa?
The Barefoot Contessa store, which Ina Garten originally opened in East Hampton, closed in 2003. However, Ina continues to thrive as a bestselling cookbook author and host of the popular Food Network show “Barefoot Contessa,” where she shares her timeless recipes and cooking tips.
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa recipes bring the joy of cooking to your kitchen with their delightful flavors, simplicity, and elegance. From appetizers that start your meal off on the right note to main courses that leave everyone satisfied, and desserts that sweeten your day, these recipes cater to all your culinary needs.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, these dishes are sure to impress. So, next time you’re planning a meal, why not try a Barefoot Contessa recipe and experience the magic of Ina Garten’s kitchen? With the provided nutrient table, you can also keep track of your intake, ensuring a balanced and delicious meal every time.