Chopped: Beets, Fava Beans & Pickled Garlic | Full Episode Recap | S13 E12
In this thrilling episode of Chopped, Season 13, Episode 12, four talented chefs squared off in the high-energy kitchen, armed with culinary skills and a basket full of mystery ingredients. The challenge: to transform pulpo, chioggia beets, fava beans, and pickled garlic into an unforgettable appetizer that would impress the expert judges.
Appetizer Round: A Symphony of Flavors
As the clock started ticking, creativity flowed as the chefs explored innovative ways to showcase these unique ingredients. The vibrant chioggia beets, with their stunning pink and white stripes, added a burst of color and earthiness to their dishes. Fava beans, known for their buttery texture and mild flavor, provided a delightful contrast, while pickled garlic introduced a tangy punch that sparked intrigue.
Some chefs opted to craft a vibrant beet salad, pairing the beets with tender fava beans and a zesty pickled garlic vinaigrette. Others took a bold approach, grilling the pulpo to enhance its flavors, serving it atop a bed of colorful beets, drizzled with garlic-infused olive oil. With only 30 minutes on the clock, each chef had to think on their feet, resulting in a dazzling array of colorful presentations and mouthwatering flavor combinations.
Entrée Round: A Hearty Challenge
The competition intensified in the entrée round, where the chefs faced a new set of ingredients: wild boar roast, sweet potato chips, and nopales. This time, they were tasked with creating hearty and delicious dishes that showcased the depth of these robust flavors. The chefs leveraged the richness of the wild boar, slow-cooking it to perfection, while sweet potato chips brought an unexpected crunch that balanced the succulent meat beautifully.
Nopales, the tender, cactus pads, added a unique texture and component that required careful handling. Chefs experimented with incorporating them into salsas and garnishes, enhancing their dishes with a fresh, slightly tangy element. Tension soared as they rushed against the clock, plating dishes that were not only delicious but visually stunning.
Dessert Round: A Sweet Finale
The final round was a true test of culinary ingenuity, where the chefs delved into the sweet side of cooking. With the ingredients being tangerines, cranberry sauce, chocolate chip cookies, and gorgonzola dolce, the challenge was to create a coherent dessert that showcased all elements.
Chefs employed their creative flair; some crafted a tangerine and cranberry parfait, utilizing the bright citrus flavors to balance the rich Gorgonzola. Others took a more classic approach, incorporating crumbled chocolate chip cookies into a luscious tart or using them as a base for a decadent cheesecake. Imagination was key, as the judges eagerly anticipated the final dishes that would define a winner in this epic showdown.
Conclusion
With high-stakes pressure and the clock always ticking, this Chopped episode delivered a feast for the eyes and palate. From reimagined appetizers to creatively composed entrees and desserts, the chefs showcased not only their skills but their passion for culinary excellence. Who would triumph and take home the coveted title? Tune in to watch the exhilarating conclusion as only one chef rises from the chopping block!
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Video “Chopped: Beets, Fava Beans & Pickled Garlic | Full Episode Recap | S13 E12 | Food Network” was uploaded on 12/16/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network