The winner of the television cooking competition MasterChef: The Professionals joked that her victory on the show helped her mother recognize her culinary ability.
Nikita Pathakji, from Derby, was crowned champion on Sunday after six weeks of tough cooking tasks impressed the judges.
The 25-year-old stated that winning the competition was “wonderful.”
And she attributed her interest in cooking to her family.
In the final, Ms. Pathakji served a three-course meal inspired by her travels to the judges, Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, famous chef Anna Haugh, and TV host Greg Wallace.
Her winning cuisine consisted of citrus-cured sea bass served with smoked aubergine puree and aubergine crackers.
This was followed by a rendition of her favorite Thai cuisine, Khao Soi, along with a cardamom and custard pastry accompanied by a honey and lemon sorbet.
Wallace stated, “Nikita opened the pantry of the globe and gave us dish after dish of exquisite cuisine.
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Ms. Pathakji, who grew up in Littleover and now works as a junior sous chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London, stated that her parents had influenced her culinary sensibilities.
Since I was a child, my mother has been cooking and producing recipes, and I have been cooking with her.
“My father ignited my passion for travel, so collectively they are the reason I cook the way I do.
“Before I became a chef, she would allow me to prepare canapés and sweets, but now she will assign me a meal, which is very exciting.
“Our home always hosts parties and prepares all the food for everyone. People bring Tupperware to their homes because they know there will be so much to take home.
Ms. Pathakji expressed hope that her achievement on the show will pave the way for future endeavors.
“It’s extremely exciting because it’s the first time in my career that people want to eat my food,” she said. “I want to provide that for them.”
“I want to make pop-ups and collaborate with the incredibly talented chefs I fought against.”
“It is still a work in progress, but I believe there will be developments in the new year.”
