Two years after Delhi-born home cook Depinder Chhibber won hearts with her butter chicken dish on MasterChef Australia 13, another Indian-origin contestant has earned praise from judges for preparing the popular north-Indian dish to perfection on the current season of the show.
Adi Nevgi, a contestant on MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises, impressed judges Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo, and Melissa Wong with her butter chicken and jeera rice on Friday night’s episode of the cooking competition.
During the episode’s immunity challenge, the contestants were required to prepare a dish using Andy’s remaining roasted chicken. The 31-year-old Melbourne physician Adi zeroed in on butter chicken.
Delhi-born home cook Depinder Chhibber’s butter chicken won hearts.
Adi’s 60-minute preparation time was a breeze, but when Jock visited her counter, she encountered a snag. The chicken lacked a smoky flavor because it was not prepared in a tandoor, he warned. Adi then placed a basin of heated coal on the chicken-cooking pan and covered it to impart a smoky flavor to the poultry.
Adi’s gambit paid off, as the evaluators lavished her with praise. “This is delectable. It is extremely, extremely, extremely delicious, commented Jock. Andy believed that the butter chicken was “one of the most delicious flavors” in the competition. Unfortunately, Adi lost her chance at immunity because the jeera rice was undercooked.
Adi learned to cook primarily from cookbooks and culinary programs. She has visited 55 countries and is inspired by the flavors of international cuisines. The study of medicine has also helped her comprehend the science behind cookery, thereby enhancing her appreciation for the culinary arts.