Ep 24. Battle Bell Pepper

In Iron Chef season 4 episode 24, the Iron Chefs faced a new ingredient challenge: Bell Peppers. The episode began with the Chairman introducing the guest chef, Chef Motohiro Kawai, who specializes in Italian cuisine. The Chairman then revealed the secret ingredient was Bell Peppers. The challenge was set - the Iron Chefs had one hour to create five dishes featuring Bell Peppers as the main ingredient.

Iron Chef Chen Kenichi faced off against Chef Kawai in the first round. The two chefs started off slowly, taking their time to prepare their dishes. Chen Kenichi used his innovative techniques to create several visually stunning dishes, including a Bell Pepper soup served in a carved-out Bell Pepper, and a pizza with Bell Pepper as the base. Chef Kawai's dishes were also impressive, with a risotto and a pasta dish using Bell Pepper as the star ingredient. The judges praised both chefs for their creativity and presentation, but in the end, Chen Kenichi was declared the winner.

In the second round, Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai took on Chef Yasuo Hazaki. Both chefs immediately started creating dishes featuring Bell Peppers, with Hazaki showcasing his skills in making Bell Pepper jelly. Sakai made sushi rolls with Bell Peppers, and a grilled Bell Pepper salad with shrimp. Hazaki's dishes included Bell Pepper tempura and a Bell Pepper and eggplant dish. The judges were impressed with both chefs' use of the Bell Pepper, but ultimately Sakai was declared the winner.

The final round saw Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto compete against Chef Hideki Ishikawa. Both chefs started out strong, with Morimoto creating a "Bell Pepper sandwich" and a Bell Pepper and fish dish, while Ishikawa made a Bell Pepper and crab dish and Bell Pepper and beef dish. As the hour drew to a close, both chefs raced to complete their dishes. The judges praised both chefs for their skill and creativity, but once again Morimoto was declared the winner.

Overall, the judges were impressed with the Iron Chefs' ability to create delicious and visually stunning dishes using Bell Peppers as the main ingredient. The secret ingredient challenge provided an interesting twist to the usual Iron Chef competition, and showcased the chefs' ability to think on their feet and create unique dishes using a less commonly used ingredient. The Bell Pepper challenge proved to be one of the most exciting episodes of the season, and left viewers hungry for more.