Does cooking GP have the prescription for success?
TO WOW THE TV JUDGES ON MASTERCHEF
DR Dinta Thakkar has an appointment this week and is hoping her fusion food with a healthy respect for her heritage will go down well.
The Leicester GP is heading into the MasterChef kitchen with the dream of bringing her recipes to the nation.
The county’s second representative in this year’s 20th series of MasterChef is hoping to fare better than Hinckley’s Chaz Barnes, who was eliminated in his first episode last week.
Dinta, 35, who grew up in Kenya, said: “I applied for MasterChef because cooking is my greatest passion and I wanted to showcase my culinary talents.
“I hope to inspire others with my unique recipes and innovative dishes, spread the joy of cooking and encourage creativity in the kitchen.”
She said she has a “deep appreciation” for the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine, but likes to add her own twist.
“My mum has been my biggest cooking inspiration so far,” Dinta said.
“I was brought up eating some of the best Indian dishes she learnt to make herself and from other inspirational cooks in our family.
“I remember my mum sitting me on a kitchen bench when I was around four and she was making puris.
“She used to teach me how to roll them into the right shape and she’s since taught me so many different dishes.
trusted and delicious family generational recipes is something I pride myself in knowing. Thank you, Mum.”
Dinta’s first challenge in the kitchen is the Basic to Brilliant challenge which could secure her a spot cooking for some former MasterChef champions.
She said: “MasterChef is a great opportunity to receive feedback from industry experts, meet fellow passionate cooks, elevate your abilities and broaden your culinary knowledge.
“My food dream is to teach and inspire people to create delectable dishes at home incorporating the rich essence of Indian heritage and promoting health-conscious cook“Learning ing using my medical expertise – through cookbooks or even a TV show.
“I would like to leave a lasting impact on the culinary landscape and bring joy and nourishment to people who embrace the flavours and creativity from my own kitchen.”
Dinta’s MasterChef debut is at 8pm tomorrow on BBC One.