Q+A with Frankie Celenza of Tastemade’s Struggle Meals

While many of us are spending more time cooking meals at home than ever before, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to catch up with Frankie Celenza, host of Tastemade’s Struggle Meals. He dished on how he got in to the culinary game, his go-to meal for under $2, and what he’s currently binging.

Stream episodes of Struggle Meals on Tastemade on The Roku Channel!

Tell us a bit about your show Struggle Meals on Tastemade.

Struggle Meals is a cooking show that’s all about saving money and food. It’s got a lot of depth as far as techniques and hacks go. Originally we thought it would be perfect for those leaving home for the first time, but with what’s going on in the world, Struggle Meals is applicable to pretty much everyone.

What got you interested in the food industry and cooking?

I grew up in an Italian-American family; cooking was always around. During college, I’d have these dinners at my apartment and undercut the school’s meal plan price; watching people’s faces and feeling their enjoyment got me hooked on feeding and teaching others about food.

Who’s the TV chef you admire most?

Right now José Andrés takes the ticket. He knows so much and is really pushing boundaries, and most admirably is doing more than some countries to help feed those in need and address food waste.

Give the streamers out there your best general cooking tip.

Don’t sweat it; improvise! Once you have basic culinary intuition, you’ll find that so many combinations of food taste great — way more combinations than you might think!

What’s your go-to meal you can make for under $2?

Spaghetti, garlic, oil, hot pepper, and broccoli.

Can you give us the recipe for that?

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1/2 large head of broccoli
• 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 red pepper flake packet
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Steps:

• In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add all of the smashed garlic cloves.
• Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.
• With a good grip on the broccoli, slice thinly to crumble. Separate the stems and the florets and set them all aside.
• When the water is boiling, add salt, then add the spaghetti. Set a timer for 1 minute less than the box indicates for al dente.
• Add the chopped broccoli stems to the garlic oil, then add some pasta water. Simmer for a few minutes.
• Add cooked pasta to the saute pan, followed by the broccoli florets. Stir vigorously over high heat for a full minute.
• Add red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Add a little more pasta water until it becomes saucy. Plate and serve.

What are you currently streaming?

Rick and Morty is constantly melting my brain and making me laugh. The writing is just about the most creative thing going on in entertainment media right now in my opinion.