Ep 7. Symon vs. Hearst

In season 9, episode 7 of Iron Chef America, viewers are treated to an intense culinary battle between two skilled chefs: Michael Symon and Marco Canora.

The episode begins with the traditional reveal of the secret ingredient, which in this case is root vegetables. Both chefs have one hour to prepare five different dishes using the root vegetables as the main ingredient. As the clock starts ticking down, both competitors jump into action, each with their own unique vision for how to showcase the vegetables.

Symon, an Iron Chef veteran, is known for his bold flavors and love of experimentation in the kitchen. He wastes no time in getting to work, pulling out all the stops to create truly innovative dishes. Using everything from parsnips to turnips, he creates a range of dishes including an imaginative take on a classic shepherd's pie, featuring a sweet potato mash topping.

Canora, although not an Iron Chef himself, is a highly respected chef with a loyal following of his own. He takes a more traditional approach, focusing on simple yet elegant preparations that highlight the natural flavors of the root vegetables. He creates a roasted root vegetable medley, served alongside a tender piece of roasted chicken, as well as a creamy root vegetable soup that is perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying.

As the hour draws to a close, both chefs present their dishes to the judges, who are tasked with evaluating each dish based on its taste, presentation, and creativity. The competition is fierce, with each dish leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

In the end, it is Symon who comes out on top, thanks to his daring, innovative dishes that pushed the envelope in terms of flavor and creativity. However, Canora's more traditional approach was equally impressive, and his dishes were just as delicious in their own right.

Overall, Symon vs. Canora is an episode that showcases the best of Iron Chef America, with two talented chefs going head-to-head to create truly outstanding dishes. Viewers are sure to be inspired by the creativity and innovation on display, and will no doubt be eager to try their hand at creating their own root vegetable masterpieces.