Ep 9. You've Got Snail!

In the latest episode of Chopped, titled "You've Got Snail!", the contestants are challenged to create four delicious courses featuring snails as the main ingredient. As usual, they have limited time (just 30 minutes for the appetizer round and an hour for the entree and dessert rounds) and access to a wide range of pantry items and mystery ingredients.

The first course, the appetizer round, sees the chefs trying to cook up snails in creative and appetizing ways. Some opt for simple preparations such as garlic butter or herb seasoning, while others get more creative with their dishes, incorporating snails into fritters or pairing them with unlikely ingredients such as quail eggs or figs.

Next up is the entree round, where the pressure is really on to create something truly special. Again, the snails are the star of the show, but this time the contestants have more time to work with and can really experiment with flavors and textures. Some chefs choose to incorporate snails into classic dishes such as risotto or pasta, while others go for bold and unusual combinations, such as snail-stuffed chicken or snail-topped steak.

Finally, it's time for the dessert round, where the chefs are tasked with creating sweet treats featuring snails as a key component. This is perhaps the most challenging round of all, as snails aren't exactly the most obvious choice for a dessert ingredient! Despite this, the chefs rise to the challenge and come up with some truly innovative and delicious dishes, incorporating snails in ways that are both surprising and satisfying.

Throughout the episode, the judges offer their expert opinions on each of the dishes, critiquing everything from presentation to seasoning to overall flavor profile. Some dishes are praised for their creativity and execution, while others fall short due to overcooking, under-seasoning, or a lack of cohesion between the various components of the dish.

Despite the challenges of cooking with such an unusual ingredient, the contestants all manage to create some truly impressive and memorable dishes. From snail-stuffed mushrooms to snail risotto to snail-infused ice cream, this episode of Chopped is not to be missed by any foodie or culinary enthusiast!