Ep 4. Ravioli
- TV-G
- March 25, 2009
- 20 min
Bobby Flay takes on another exciting culinary challenge in the sixth season of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" in episode 4 titled "Ravioli." The show is all about throwing down culinary challenges where Bobby Flay visits renowned chefs across the country in search of the best culinary experts in various dishes. In each episode, Bobby Flay challenges a different chef, but this time around he tackles a classic Italian dish that everyone loves - the ravioli!
The episode starts with Bobby Flay visiting Arthur Avenue, famously known as the "Little Italy" section in the Bronx, New York, to find an authentic Italian chef who can whip up an outstanding ravioli dish. Bobby sets his sights on a mother-daughter team, Nina and Maria Aspromonte, who have been making handmade ravioli since their childhood.
The challenge is on as Bobby prepares for the epic cook-off, visiting his mentor’s pasta factory to explore the secrets of making perfect ravioli. In the meantime, the mother-daughter team invite Bobby to their tiny factory to observe how they make their ravioli from scratch.
The day of the throwdown finally arrives, and the three chefs go head-to-head to create the best version of ravioli. The judges, including renowned chef Mario Batali, who is also an Italian food expert, are ready to critique the dishes. The chefs take turns presenting their ravioli dishes, offering a detailed description of its ingredients and preparation method.
Bobby's ravioli features a unique filling that he learned from his mentor; it contains three cheeses, including ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and pecorino. The dough is made with semolina and flour and mixed with olive oil, salt, and eggs. Bobby also makes a quick tomato sauce to go with the dish.
Nina and Maria's ravioli features a traditional ricotta cheese filling with a blend of spinach, garlic, and parsley. For the pasta, they use all-purpose flour and eggs and mix the dough for an extended period to create a tender and soft texture. The sauce they prepare is a simple yet delicious classic marinara.
The contest is tight, and both Bobby and the mother-daughter team put forth their best dishes. The judges savor both the ravioli dishes, taking note of the flavors, texture, and overall presentation. They rate each of the dishes based on taste, appearance, creativity, and authenticity.
The tension builds as the judges deliberate before finally announcing the winner of the ravioli throwdown. Who will be crowned the winner - Bobby or the mother-daughter team? You'll have to watch to find out!
Throughout the episode, viewers will get a glimpse into the fascinating world of Italian cuisine. They will also learn some cooking tips, techniques, and secrets on perfecting the art of making homemade ravioli. The show also provides viewers with an engaging culinary experience and inspires them to get creative with their cooking in the kitchen.
"Throwdown with Bobby Flay" season 6 episode 4 is a must-watch for all food lovers, especially those who love Italian cuisine and in particular, the classic dish - Ravioli. From the start of the episode to the final cook-off, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to see who will come out on top and be declared the best ravioli chef in the country!