On this season of Pati’s Mexican Table, Pati explores Nuevo León, a sprawling northeastern border state draped in dazzling mountains and miles of desert. Defined by its sparse ingredients, proximity to the US border, and influences from Sephardic Jewish culinary roots, the flavors here are truly distinctive. And what Nuevo León lacks in ingredients, it makes up for with resourceful, creative people who are finding innovative ways to transform traditional flavors into familiar but exciting new experiences. This is the land of cabrito and carne asada. Multi-generational families all over the state gather at carne asadas weekly to share stories, connect, roast cabritos on fire spits and throw handmade flour tortillas directly onto the coals.

• Pati Jinich