Ep 21. Think Small

In episode 21 of season 37 of Chopped, titled "Think Small", four competitors face off in a culinary battle where the focus is on using small ingredients to make big flavors. The contestants are given a basket of mystery ingredients for each round and must use their skills, creativity, and knowledge of flavor combinations to create three dishes in a limited amount of time.

The first round requires the chefs to use tiny quail eggs, miniature avocados, baby artichokes, and baby octopus in their dishes. The chefs must also incorporate an unusual ingredient, but they won't find out what it is until they open the mystery basket. The judges, including Alex Guarnaschelli, Marc Murphy, and Maneet Chauhan, are looking for dishes that showcase the unique flavors and textures of the small ingredients, while also highlighting the mystery ingredient.

The second round ramps up the difficulty, as the chefs must use a combination of small grains, such as quinoa, farro, and wild rice, along with small proteins, like rock shrimp, quail, and baby lamb chops. The chefs must also incorporate a small citrus fruit into their dishes, such as kumquats or key limes. With only a limited amount of time to prepare their dishes, the chefs must carefully balance flavors and textures to impress the judges.

The final round is where the pressure really heats up, as the remaining chefs must create a dessert using small fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, blueberries, and baby carrots. They must also incorporate a small amount of alcohol, such as Grand Marnier or Bailey's Irish Cream. The chefs must use their creativity to transform the small ingredients into a delicious dessert that will impress the judges.

Throughout the episode, the chefs face challenges such as time constraints, unexpected twists, and the pressure of creating dishes that stand out in a sea of culinary creativity. The judges provide feedback on each dish, highlighting what worked and what didn't, while also offering tips and insights that the contestants can use in their future culinary endeavors.

In the end, only one chef will emerge victorious and claim the title of Chopped champion. The winner will walk away with a cash prize and the satisfaction of knowing they created an unforgettable meal using some of the smallest ingredients imaginable.

Overall, "Think Small" is an exciting and challenging episode that highlights the ingenuity and creativity of the contestants, as they strive to create delicious dishes using some of the tiniest ingredients available. The episode showcases the high-stakes nature of the competition, as well as the camaraderie and respect that the chefs have for one another. Viewers will be entertained and inspired by the culinary feats on display in this episode of Chopped.