Z.ai: GLM 5 vs Llama 4 Scout
Compare Z.ai: GLM 5 by Zhipu AI against Llama 4 Scout by Meta AI, context windows of 203K vs 10.0M, tested across 25 shared challenges. Updated February 2026.
FAQ
Loading share button...
Z.ai: GLM 5vsLlama 4 Scout
20 challenges
Why Z.ai: GLM 5?
Leads 1 of 1 benchmarks
Stronger on SWE-bench Verified77.8% vs 54.6%
10 months newerFeb 2026
Why Llama 4 Scout?
4.6x cheaper overall$0.25/M in · $0.50/M out
49.3x more context10.0M
Favorites
Z.ai: GLM 5Llama 4 Scout
12 / 20
SVG Layout Challengeimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to generate vector graphics
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
2 / 20
Xbox Controller SVG Artimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create detailed SVG illustrations of gaming hardware
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
3 / 20
Minimalist Landing Pageweb design
Tests an AI's ability to generate a complete, working landing page
Z.ai: GLM 5
Llama 4 Scout
Vote
4 / 20
Mario Level UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, classic Mario level in a single HTML file.
Z.ai: GLM 5
Llama 4 Scout
Vote
5 / 20
Linear App Cloneweb design
Tests an AI's ability to replicate an existing UI with Tailwind CSS
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
6 / 20
Interactive Catan Boardweb design
Tests an AI's ability to create interactive web elements
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
7 / 20
World Map SVGimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create a detailed world map in SVG format
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
8 / 20
Simple 7-Ingredient Recipeconversation
Generate a unique and simple recipe with common ingredients.
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
9 / 20
Beginner's Longevity Planreasoning
Create a starter plan for improving long-term health.
Z.ai: GLM 5
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Vote
10 / 20
Retro macOS UI Recreationweb design
Recreate a classic, retro, macOS Desktop UI — make it interactive and nostalgic, make it as interactive as you can, you can be creative.. Feel free to showcase your skills. The entire application must be a single-page self-contained HTML file.
Z.ai: GLM 5
Llama 4 Scout
Vote
Sponsored
11 / 20
Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)reasoning
Develop a cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker.
Z.ai: GLM 5
This comprehensive 3-month protocol is designed for the advanced biohacker. It integrates synergistic systems: metabolic flexibility, hormetic stress, cognitive enhancement, and recovery optimization.
Disclaimer: This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a physician before starting new supplements or rigorous exercise protocols.
The Infrastructure: Wearables & Data
To biohack effectively, you must quantify. You will need:
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): (e.g., Abbott Libre or Levels) to track glycemic variability.
- HRV Tracker: (e.g., Oura Ring or WHOOP) for recovery and nervous system readiness.
- Sleep Tracker: (Oura or Eight Sleep) for deep/REM sleep latency.
- Biomarker Baseline: Get blood work done before starting (Lipid panel, HbA1c, CRP, Testosterone/Estrogen, Vitamin D, IGF-1).
Month 1: Metabolic Flexibility & Inflammation Reset
Goal: Switch from glucose to fat burning, lower baseline inflammation, and establish sleep architecture.
Dietary Protocol: Ketoflex 12/12
- Framework: A modified ketogenic diet (approx. 70% Fat, 20% Protein, 10% Carbs) with an emphasis on nutrient density.
- Feeding Window: 12 hours eating / 12 hours fasting (gradually moving to 14/10 by week 4).
- Foods:
- Fats: MCT oil, Avocado, EVOO, Grass-fed butter.
- Protein: Wild-caught salmon, Grass-fed beef, Organ meats (liver capsules or fresh) 2x/week.
- Excluded: Grains, processed sugar, vegetable oils (canola, soybean).
Supplement Stack (Month 1)
- Morning (With Fat):
- Vitamin D3/K2: 5,000 IU / 100mcg (Immune & hormonal base).
- Omega-3 (High DHA/EPA): 2g (Neuro-inflammation).
- Magnesium L-Threonate: 1g (Brain bioavailability).
- Pre-Bed:
- Glycine: 3g (Sleep quality/thermoregulation).
- Magnesium Bisglycinate: 400mg (Relaxation).
Exercise Protocol: Aerobic Base Building
- Zone 2 Training: 3x per week, 45 mins. (Maintain a conversational pace; roughly 60-70% max HR). This builds mitochondrial efficiency.
- Mobility: Daily 10 mins (Functional Range Conditioning).
Stress Resilience: HRV Tuning
- Technique: 10 mins of "Box Breathing" (4-4-4-4) upon waking to shift the nervous system into parasympathetic mode before checking phones.
Month 2: Hormesis & Cognitive Enhancement
Goal: Induce controlled stress (fasting/exercise) to upregulate resilience pathways (Nrf2, BDNF) and introduce nootropics.
Dietary Protocol: Deep Ketosis & Fasting
- Feeding Window: 16:8 Intermittent Fasting (skip breakfast).
- The 3-Day Fast: In Week 2, perform a 72-hour water fast (electrolytes only). This triggers autophagy (cellular cleanup) and immune system reset.
- Refeed: Break the fast with bone broth and light proteins, avoiding carbs initially to prevent refeeding syndrome.
Supplement Stack (Month 2)
- Morning:
- NMN (Sublingual): 500mg – 1g (NAD+ precursor for energy/sirtuin activation).
- Resveratrol: 1g (Synergistic with NMN for longevity pathways).
- Creatine Monohydrate: 5g (Cognitive & muscular power).
- Cognitive Stack (Cycled 5 days on, 2 days off):
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom (8:1 Extract): 1g (NGF stimulation).
- Alpha-GPC: 300mg (Acetylcholine precursor).
- Bacopa Monnieri: 300mg (Memory consolidation).
- Pre-Bed:
- Apigenin: 50mg (Promotes calmness/GABAergic effect).
Exercise Protocol: HIIT & Hypertrophy
- Strength: 3x per week. Compound lifts (Deadlift, Squat, Bench). 5 sets of 5 reps. Focus on mechanical tension.
- HIIT: 1x per week. "Norwegian 4x4" Protocol (4 mins at 90% max HR, 3 mins active recovery, repeated 4 times). Maximum VO2 max gains.
Advanced Recovery: Thermal Stress
- Sauna: 3x week, 20 mins at 175°F+ post-workout. Induces Heat Shock Proteins (repair protein folding).
- Cold Exposure: End showers with 30-60 seconds cold. Increases dopamine and brown fat activation.
Month 3: Longevity Maintenance & Peak Performance
Goal: Integrate advanced peptides/senolytics, periodize training for peak output, and solidify habits.
Dietary Protocol: Carb Cycling
- Strategy: Keto baseline, but add "Targeted Ketogenic Diet" (TKD). Consume 25-50g clean carbs (berries, sweet potato) immediately pre-workout to fuel high-intensity output without spiking insulin the rest of the day.
- Protein Pulsing: High protein days (2g/kg body weight) on training days; moderate protein (1g/kg) on rest days to stimulate mTOR selectively.
Supplement Stack (Month 3)
- Senolytics (Week 1 only):
- Fisetin: 20mg/kg body weight (take for 2 consecutive days). Kills senescent "zombie" cells.
- Note: Do not take Fisetin continuously.
- Morning:
- Spermidine: 10mg (Autophagy induction).
- PQQ: 20mg (Mitochondrial biogenesis).
- Pre-Bed:
- Tryptophan: 500mg (If sleep latency issues persist).
- Note: Cycle off Nootropics for 1 week this month to prevent tolerance.
Exercise Protocol: Power & Flow
- Power: 2x week. Plyometrics and Kettlebells. Explosive movements.
- Endurance: 1x week. Long, slow distance (Zone 2) for 90+ mins.
- Recovery: Deep tissue massage or foam rolling daily.
Stress Resilience: Neurofeedback Concepts
- Technique: Use a Muse headband or similar EEG device for 10 mins daily. Practice maintaining "Calm" brainwaves (Alpha/Theta). This increases cortical thickness and emotional regulation.
The Daily "Peak State" Routine (Consolidated)
06:00 | Wake & Hydrate
- 500ml water with Pink Himalayan Salt (electrolytes) + Lemon.
- No caffeine for 90 mins to allow natural cortisol spike to clear adenosine.
07:00 | Light & Movement
- 10 mins morning sunlight (retina signaling) or SAD lamp (10,000 lux).
- 5 mins mobility flow.
08:00 | Deep Work Block (Fasted)
- Supplements: NMN, Resveratrol, Lion’s Mane, Alpha-GPC.
- 90 mins focused work. Binaural beats (40Hz) for focus.
10:00 | Caffeine & Training
- Black Coffee / Green Tea.
- Training: Alternating Strength/HIIT/Zone 2 based on the month.
11:30 | Cold Plunge / Shower
- 3 minutes cold immersion. HRV tracking during immersion.
12:00 | Feeding Window Opens (Meal 1)
- High fat/moderate protein. E.g., Salmon salad with MCT oil dressing.
- Supplements: Vitamin D, Omega-3, Magnesium, Creatine.
16:00 | Cognitive Maintenance
- If needed: L-Theanine (200mg) to smooth out any residual caffeine.
20:00 | Last Meal (Meal 2)
- High protein, moderate fat, low carb.
- Supplements: Glycine, Magnesium Bisglycinate, Apigenin.
21:00 | Light Blocking
- Blue light blocking glasses (Orange/Red lens).
- Sauna session (if scheduled) or reading (physical book only).
22:00 | Sleep Protocol
- Bedroom temp: 65°F - 68°F.
- Blackout curtains + White noise.
Success Metrics
You will know the plan is working if by the end of Month 3:
- HRV: Your resting HRV has increased by 10-15% (sign of increased parasympathetic tone).
- Glucose: Fasting glucose is consistently < 85 mg/dL with minimal variability after meals.
- Sleep: Deep sleep > 1.5 hours/night; REM > 1.5 hours/night.
- Subjective: Waking up without an alarm, consistent energy throughout the day (no afternoon crash), and improved mental clarity.
Llama 4 Scout
Comprehensive 3-Month Longevity Plan for Biohackers
Phase 1: Assessment and Foundation Building (Weeks 1-4)
- Wearable Tracking:
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Sleep stages and duration
- Physical activity and exercise
- Blood oxygen level
- Integrate with a comprehensive health tracking platform (e.g., Whoop, Strava) for data analysis and insights
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein: 15-20% of daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories
- Fasting Regimen: Alternate-day fasting with 16:8 time-restricted eating (TRE) on non-fasting days
- Supplements:
- Exogenous ketones (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate, 10g/day)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA & DHA, 2g/day)
- Probiotics (e.g., 10 billion CFU/day)
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, and lunges
- Progressive overload with 2.5-5kg increments every two weeks
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): 2 times/week, 20-30 minutes per session
- Sprints, burpees, jump squats, or other high-intensity exercises
- Recovery: 1-2 times/week, incorporating:
- Foam rolling and self-myofascial release
- Contrast showers and cryotherapy
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
- HeartMath Inc. (emWave) or similar device
- Biofeedback exercises and resonance breathing
- Neurofeedback: Bi-weekly sessions using:
- EEG headset (e.g., Muse, Interaxon)
- Neurofeedback software (e.g., Brainwave, MindPlace)
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
Phase 2: Optimization and Intensification (Weeks 5-8)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Variations: Introduce targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) or modified ketogenic diet (MKD) for specific training or performance goals
- Fasting Regimen: Gradually increase fasting duration or frequency:
- 24-hour fasts every 4-5 days
- 36-hour fasts every 2-3 weeks
- Supplements:
- Add:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR, 500mg/day)
- Phosphatidylserine (100mg/day)
- Bacopa monnieri (200mg/day)
- Rotate and cycle supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Add:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Explosive exercises (e.g., box jumps, medicine ball throws)
- Advanced techniques (e.g., blood flow restriction, electromyostimulation)
- HIIT: Increase frequency or duration:
- 3-4 times/week, 30-40 minutes per session
- Recovery: Enhance with:
- Normobaric hypoxia training
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
- More frequent biofeedback sessions
- Advanced techniques (e.g., heart rate variability coherence)
- Neurofeedback: Increase session frequency:
- 2-3 times/week
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
Phase 3: Fine-Tuning and Peak Performance (Weeks 9-12)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Precision Nutrition: Implement genetic testing (e.g., DNAfit, Nutrigenomics) to inform personalized nutrition
- Fasting Regimen: Refine and adjust fasting schedule based on performance and recovery
- Supplements:
- Fine-tune supplement stack based on progress and testing
- Introduce new supplements:
- Spermidine (1mg/day)
- Creatine (3g/day)
- Exercise Routine:
- Periodization: Alternate between high-intensity and low-intensity training phases
- Specificity: Tailor training to specific performance goals (e.g., endurance, strength, power)
- Stress Resilience:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
- Daily meditation (10-20 minutes)
- Yoga or tai chi sessions (2-3 times/week)
- Sleep Optimization: Prioritize sleep quality and duration:
- Establish consistent sleep schedule
- Use sleep-promoting supplements (e.g., melatonin, 5-HTP)
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
Additional Recommendations:
- Genetic Testing: Consider genetic testing for:
- APOE, MTHFR, and other longevity-related genes
- Nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition insights
- Blood Biomarkers: Monitor and track:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid profile and ApoE
- Inflammation markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6)
- Mental Performance: Engage in mentally stimulating activities:
- Reading, puzzles, and brain games
- Learning a new skill or language
- Social Connection: Prioritize social connections and relationships:
- Regular social interactions and community engagement
- Volunteer or participate in group activities
Supplements and Dosages:
- Phase 1-3:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 2g/day
- Probiotics: 10 billion CFU/day
- Exogenous ketones: 10g/day
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR): 500mg/day
- Phosphatidylserine: 100mg/day
- Bacopa monnieri: 200mg/day
- Spermidine: 1mg/day
- Creatine: 3g/day
- Cycling:
- Rotate supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Take breaks from supplements (e.g., 1-2 weeks) to assess efficacy and prevent tolerance
Safety Considerations:
- Medical Supervision: Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine
- Monitoring: Regularly track and monitor your progress, adjusting the plan as needed to avoid adverse effects or plateaus
Disclaimers:
- Individual Results May Vary: This plan is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for everyone
- Consult a Professional: Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or supplement routine
By following this comprehensive 3-month longevity plan, biohackers can optimize their physical and cognitive performance, enhance stress resilience, and potentially slow aging. Regular monitoring, adjustments, and medical supervision are essential to ensure safety and efficacy.
Vote
12 / 20
Michelin Star Recipe Designplanning
Design an innovative, multi-component dish worthy of a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
Z.ai: GLM 5
Dish Title: "The Ivory Arch: A Study in Decay and Renewal"
Conceptual Narrative
This dish is a meditation on the life cycle of the forest floor, specifically the moment where decay fuels new life. It centers on the polar pairing of Roasted Bone Marrow (representing the structural end of life, rich, fatty, and primal) and White Chocolate (representing purity and sweetness, usually confined to dessert).
By emulsifying the cocoa butter of the white chocolate with the rendered fats of the marrow, we create a "blonde meat butter" that is neither sweet nor purely savory, but a bridge between the two. This is contrasted with the sharp acidity of Morello Cherry (echoing the blood/viscera) and the earthiness of activated charcoal and rye, creating a dish that looks like a piece of abstract art but tastes like the depths of winter turning into spring.
The Components
- Core: Smoked Bone Marrow & White Chocolate "Parfait"
- Acid: Morello Cherry & Hibiscus Gelée
- Texture: Charred Rye & Activated Charcoal "Soil"
- Aromatics: Candied Douglas Fir Tips
- Finish: Oscietra Caviar and Pickled Red Veined Sorrel
Sourcing Notes
- Bone Marrow: Source from a local artisan butcher. Request "canoe cut" femur bones from grass-fed, dry-aged beef (28 days minimum) for a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
- White Chocolate: Use a high-end, single-origin white chocolate (such as Valrhona Ivoire or Zotter) with a high cocoa butter content (30%+). Avoid compound chips.
- Douglas Fir Tips: These are the bright green new growth tips of the Douglas Fir tree. They can be foraged sustainably in spring or sourced from specialty foraging suppliers like Regalis Foods or Mikuni Wild Harvest.
- Caviar: Oscietra is preferred for its nutty finish, which complements the marrow.
Advanced Culinary Techniques Used
- Cryo-Roasting: Freezing the marrow before roasting to control rendering.
- Hybrid Emulsification: Combining animal fat and cocoa butter.
- Spherification (Reverse): For the cherry yolk (optional variation, here we use a gelée for texture).
- Smoke Infusion: Using a smoking gun with cold smoke.
Detailed Instructions
1. The Marrow & White Chocolate Parfait
This component challenges the palate by removing the "meaty" texture of marrow and replacing it with the snap of chocolate, while retaining the savory depth.
Ingredients:
- 500g Beef Bone Marrow (soaked)
- 200g High-quality White Chocolate
- 50g Whole Milk
- 10g Sea Salt flakes
- 5g Smoked Paprika (mild)
Method:
- Preparation: Soak the bones in ice water for 24 hours, changing the water every 8 hours, to draw out blood and impurities.
- Extraction: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Roast bones for 20 minutes. Remove the marrow from the bone while hot. Pass the rendered marrow through a fine chinois sieve.
- Cryo-Roast: Spread the marrow on a parchment-lined tray, freeze solid, then roast again at 220°C for 5 minutes to achieve a brown butter aroma without burning. Chill.
- The Emulsion: Melt the white chocolate gently over a bain-marie. In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk and the prepared marrow until fully liquid.
- The Merge: Slowly whisk the warm marrow mixture into the melted white chocolate. Use an immersion blender to ensure a stable emulsion. Add salt and smoked paprika.
- Setting: Pour into hemisphere silicone molds (3cm diameter). Freeze completely. Once solid, unmold and store in the freezer until plating.
2. Morello Cherry & Hibiscus Gelée
Provides the acidic "cut" needed to balance the fat.
Ingredients:
- 300g Morello Cherries (pitted)
- 100g Hibiscus flowers (dried)
- 50g Honey
- 4g Agar Aggar
Method:
- Vacuum seal cherries with hibiscus and honey. Cook sous-vide at 85°C for 1 hour.
- Remove hibiscus. Blend the cherries and juice until smooth. Pass through a super-fine sieve.
- Weigh the liquid. Bring to a boil. Whisk in Agar Agar (0.8% of liquid weight). Boil for 2 minutes.
- Pour into a shallow container to set (1cm height).
- Once set, cut into irregular geometric shards or dice finely for texture.
3. Charred Rye & Charcoal Soil
A textural element representing the earth.
Ingredients:
- 100g Rye Bread (stale)
- 5g Activated Charcoal powder
- 30g Butter (melted)
- Maldon Salt
Method:
- Blitz rye bread in a food processor to coarse crumbs.
- Toss crumbs with melted butter and charcoal powder.
- Spread on a baking tray and toast at 180°C until completely dry and aromatic (approx 15 mins).
- Cool and season with salt.
4. Candied Douglas Fir Tips
The "fresh" note.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Douglas Fir tips
- Simple Syrup (50/50)
Method:
- Blanch the tips in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness. Shock in ice water.
- Simmer gently in simple syrup for 10 minutes.
- Drain and dehydrate at 55°C for 4 hours until tacky but not brittle.
Exquisite Plating Presentation
The Vessel: Use a matte black, irregular ceramic slate or a piece of polished slate stone.
Assembly:
- The Base: Smear a deliberate, thick stroke of the Charred Rye Soil across the center of the slate, creating a "horizon line."
- The Structure: Place a frozen Marrow & White Chocolate Parfait hemisphere on the left side of the soil line. It should look like a white moon rising.
- The Bleed: Arrange the Morello Cherry Gelée shards cascading down the right side of the parfait, mimicking erosion or lava flow.
- The Garnish: Place three Candied Douglas Fir Tips standing upright in the soil to mimic trees.
- The Crown: Top the Marrow Parfait with a quenelle (approx 15g) of Oscietra Caviar. The black caviar against the white marrow/chocolate creates a stunning visual contrast.
- The Final Touch: Place 2-3 leaves of Pickled Red Veined Sorrel piercing the caviar.
Service Instruction: Serve immediately. The diner should eat the parfait while it is still cold and firm. As the spoon breaks the hemisphere, the diner experiences the snap of the chocolate shell, the creamy melt of the marrow, the pop of the salty caviar, the tart chew of the cherry, and the resinous crunch of the fir.
Chef’s Note: The goal is for the diner to question what they are eating. The white chocolate provides the texture, but the marrow provides the soul. It is a dish that tastes like a memory of a forest fire—ash, fat, wood, and new growth.
Llama 4 Scout
Dish Name: "Terra Verde" - A Harmonious Convergence of Land and Sea
Conceptual Narrative: Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, "Terra Verde" is a symphony of flavors and textures that brings together the earthy richness of the land with the brininess of the sea. This innovative dish celebrates the union of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, featuring an unusual pairing of ingredients that will challenge and delight the palate.
Components:
- Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
Component 1: Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot water
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
Steam the cauliflower until tender. Purée in a blender with cream, milk, saffron, salt, and pepper. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Whisk in butter until melted. Pour into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Component 2: Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- 1 lb (450g) smoked eel, flaked
- 1/4 cup (30g) pickled fennel, finely chopped (see note)
- 2 tbsp (30g) capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Mix eel, pickled fennel, capers, mustard, and honey in a bowl. Stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Sourcing Note: For pickled fennel, use a high-quality, artisanal product or make your own by slicing 1 bulb of fennel thinly, soaking in a brine made with 1 cup (250 ml) white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup (125 ml) water, and 1 tsp (5g) sugar for at least 2 hours.
Component 3: Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- 1 cup (120g) wild rice
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (30g) dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped shallots
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (5g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Sauté shallots and porcini in butter until softened. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add wine, whisking continuously. Simmer until reduced to a thick paste. Stir in cooked wild rice.
Component 4: Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dredge cauliflower florets in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk, then coat in flour again. Fry until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
For the emulsion, whisk together lemon juice, cream, mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Component 5: Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
- 1/4 cup (15g) microgreens (such as pea shoots or purslane)
- 1/4 cup (15g) edible flowers (such as violas or pansies)
- 1 tsp (5g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (5g) white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toss microgreens and edible flowers with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Plating:
- Pipe saffron-infused cauliflower mousse onto a chilled plate in a curved line, resembling a hillside.
- Spoon smoked eel tartare alongside the mousse.
- Create a small mound of wild rice and mushroom duxelles nearby.
- Arrange crispy fried cauliflower petals on top of the duxelles.
- Drizzle lemon-thyme emulsion over the cauliflower petals.
- Garnish with microgreens and edible flower salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a pop of color, add a few drops of beet juice to the saffron-infused cauliflower mousse.
- Substitute the smoked eel with seared scallops or foie gras for a different protein option.
- Use different types of microgreens or edible flowers to change the flavor and visual profile of the dish.
Advanced Culinary Techniques:
- Saffron infusion and foamification (Component 1)
- Smoking and tartare preparation (Component 2)
- Duxelles preparation and thickening (Component 3)
- Emulsion-making (Component 4)
- Edible flower and microgreen handling
Michelin-Starred Tips:
- Balance flavors and textures across the dish to create harmony and contrast.
- Pay attention to temperature and texture contrasts, such as the warm duxelles and crispy cauliflower petals.
- Use high-quality, seasonal ingredients to ensure optimal flavor and freshness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers to add visual appeal and fragrance.
This dish is sure to impress with its innovative combination of ingredients, advanced techniques, and stunning presentation. The saffron-infused cauliflower mousse and lemon-thyme emulsion add an airy, ethereal quality, while the smoked eel tartare and wild rice and mushroom duxelles provide rich, savory elements. The crispy fried cauliflower petals add a satisfying crunch, and the microgreens and edible flower salad add freshness and color. "Terra Verde" is a true celebration of the Mediterranean landscape, where land and sea converge in a culinary masterpiece.
Vote
12 of 20