Welcome back, survivors! We've made it to our third and final season. The last ride. We're glad you're here.

In the heart of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, our favorite dentist-turned-podcaster, Elaine Martínez, DDS, is at it again. In our final-season opener, Elaine finds herself reminiscing about the good old days (you know, dodging bombs and living in bunkers) while stuck in the thick, oily slush of the LA River. But fear not, dear listeners, because Elaine’s got a plan to whip up a meal that’s sure to lift your spirits—and it all starts with some pinto beans, a dash of vinegar, and a whole lot of perseverance.

Join Elaine as she:

• Reflects on her past adventures with Sam and encounters with the mysterious Courier.

• Shares her recipe for a hearty pinto bean stew, perfect for those damp, dreary nights when you're hiding from The State.

• Delivers a heartfelt monologue that reminds us all to keep fighting, keep cooking, and keep hoping—even when the world feels like it’s crumbling around us.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Stick! 🌿 Whether you’re poking at the fire, defending yourself from feral children, or just trying to keep the spiderwebs off, Stick is your versatile, multipurpose tool for the post-apocalyptic world. Pick one up wherever deforestation by The State occurs!

Tune in for a mix of humor, survival tips, and heartwarming moments that’ll keep you coming back for more. Remember, in the darkest times, a little laughter and a warm meal can make all the difference. 🍲✨

Ingredients:

• 1 can of pinto beans, semi-drained

• 1 bouillon cube

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh rainwater (or as fresh as you can get)

Instructions:

• Prepare Your Workspace:

  • Set up your portable gas stove under a sheltered area. Elaine found a bridge in Griffith Park—use whatever cover you can find!

• Heat the Oil:

  • In a one-quart pot, heat the vegetable oil over your portable gas stove.

• Sauté the Onion:

  • Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.

• Add the Garlic:

  • Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant.

• Add the Beans:

  • Pour in the semi-drained can of pinto beans. Give them a gentle mash to release some of the starchiness, which will help thicken the stew.

• Prepare the Broth:

  • In a separate container, dissolve the bouillon cube in about a cup of collected rainwater. Pour this broth into the pot with the beans and onions.

• Simmer:

  • Allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches a thick and hearty consistency.

• Season:

  • Add salt and pepper to taste. If you're lucky enough to have pepper packets (thanks, Courier!), sprinkle those in.

• The Secret Ingredient:

  • Just before serving, stir in one tablespoon of white vinegar. This will brighten up the flavors and give the stew a little extra zing.

• Serve:

  • If you have bowls, great! If not, you can enjoy it straight from the pot. Elaine and Courier opted for the "Lady and the Tramp" style.

  
  

Tips and Variations:

• Foraging: If you're able to find any fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, feel free to add a sprig for additional flavor.

• Survival Tactics: Elaine reminds us that survival is all about scrappiness and creativity. Use what you have and make the best of it!

  
  

Written and directed by Allison Slice

Elaine Martínez voiced by Rosa Delgado

Courier voiced by Raechel Wong

Sam Gately voiced by Thomas Anthony Jones

General Krause voiced by Greg Goh

Special thanks to Lazy Pickle Studio for engineering this episode.

A very special thank you to our amazing Patrons who make this season possible. You can find out more about becoming a Patron at ⁠Patreon.com/elainescooking⁠.