Ep 12. Vegetable Lasagna

In the season 9 episode 12 of Throwdown with Bobby Flay, the renowned chef ventures into the territory of one of the most beloved Italian dishes - vegetable lasagna. The episode kicks off with Bobby Flay traveling to Arizona to compete against the local favorite, Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, known for her restaurants serving flavorful traditional Mexican food.

As soon as Bobby arrives at Esparza's restaurant Barrio Cafe, he's greeted with the aroma of classic Mexican spices and ingredients. The friendly rivalry between the two chefs soon begins as they both roll up their sleeves to showcase their best versions of vegetable lasagna.

Bobby Flay is known for his classic American cooking style, and he admits to being intimidated by the challenge of going head-to-head with a chef who has mastered the art of Mexican cuisine. But that doesn't stop him from giving it his all in creating a lasagna that would not only match but outdo Esparza's dish.

At his kitchen station, Flay begins with the traditional technique of layering pasta sheets and roasted vegetables along with creamy ricotta cheese, but he adds a unique twist by using chayote, a Mexican squash, which is not often used in lasagna. He also makes a delicious homemade tomato sauce, balancing the flavors and ensuring that each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the dish to create a perfect harmony.

On the other hand, Esparza's version of vegetable lasagna is packed with an array of flavors, including roasted poblano peppers, green zucchini, yellow squash, and a unique blend of Mexican cheeses. She adds a little heat with a homemade salsa and uses a traditional Mexican technique of toasting the lasagna sheets before assembling the dish.

As the clock winds down and both chefs are rushing to finish their dishes, the atmosphere in the kitchen heats up, as both chefs realize that the competition is too close to call. The tension is palpable as Esparza and Flay complete their lasagnas and present them to the judges, an expert panel of food critics and industry professionals.

The judges are amazed by both dishes, with Flay's version being praised for its unique twist on a classic recipe and its perfect blending of flavors. Esparza's dish, on the other hand, is recognized for its creative use of Mexican ingredients and its burst of unique flavors.

As the judges compare notes and come to a final decision, it becomes clear that this Throwdown was one of the most closely contested yet. The final verdict is announced, and viewers will have to tune in to find out which of these two talented chefs ultimately comes out on top in the ultimate test of culinary skills.

In the end, the episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay is a celebration of the art of cooking and the joy of food, showcasing two top-tier chefs both at the top of their game. It is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the versatility and variety that a dish like vegetable lasagna can offer, and the amazing creativity that chefs can bring to traditional recipes.