The path to becoming a MasterChef is often as flavorful and unique as the dishes created along the way. For Jasween Kaur, it all began with a simple act of baking a kaju cake for her family during her high school years. What started as a casual hobby quickly transformed into a pivotal career opportunity when Jasween Kaur received an unexpected call for a MasterChef audition.
Initially thinking it was a joke, Jasween Kaur almost didn’t realize the incredible culinary journey that was about to unfold. Stepping into the MasterChef kitchen marked the beginning of a transformative adventure for Jasween Kaur, where her cooking philosophy that “happiness in the kitchen leads to joy on the plate” truly came to life.
In this interview, we dive deep into the culinary world of Jasween Kaur, exploring her beloved signature dish, the Nutella brownies, and the various joys and challenges she faces with different cooking techniques. Jasween Kaur also shares the essential kitchen tools that are integral to her cooking.
Through personal stories and rich culinary insights, Jasween Kaur illustrates how cooking is more than sustenance; it’s a form of cultural expression that connects diverse traditions. Join us in celebrating Jasween Kaur’s passion for cooking and her belief in the power of food to unite and delight.
When did you started your journey as an MasterChef?
I started my journey of cooking when I was in class9 I was always excited about cooking & baking, especially baking I remember the first cake I made was for my family obviously it was a kaju cake and they loved it. My interest for it increased and one random afternoon I got a call for masterchef audition I thought it was a prank call and ignored it, and whatever happened after that is god’s plan I must say, and I feel the real masterchef journey began when I stepped into the masterchef kitchen
MasterChef Jasween Kaur Signature Dish
My signature dish would be my Nutella brownies. I know that sounds very simple for being a signature dish, but that is truly a best seller whisk a little which is my home bakery. And I have repeat orders for my Nutella brownies. I once ended up asking a customer that why do you just order this and not explore other stuff in my menu and they were like it’s the perfect balance of Nutella chocolate perfect balance of sweetness and the dark chocolate, so I order this.
It took me about an year to get the right recipe. I did so many experiments and I would call it my signature dish, and I still remember there was this customer who was pregnant, and she texted me saying my baby is craving for your Nutella brownies inside my tummy, and that made me really happy so that would be my signature dish
What is your favorite or least favorite dish to prepare?
My favourite thing to make is a teacake, be it any flavour. I love the concept and texture of it, and my family loves to eat it. The most minor fav thing to make is anything that involves frying. Don’t get me wrong, I love eating fried chicken & French fries, but it’s so hot in the kitchen to fry stuff and seeing so much oil going into it makes me not want to do it, but when I eat them, I can’t stop.
How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
My cooking philosophy is that Happy cooks make Happy food, so if you’re joyful while cooking your food will turn out great and that will reflect on your plate.
Name the three kitchen tools you can’t do without?
Three kitchen tools I can’t do without is definitely a whisk, a good fry pan and a super handy spatula.
How has the spice trade influenced regional cuisines around the world, and what are some modern-day culinary practices that can trace their origins back to this historical phenomenon?
Every cuisine has a different meaning for every individual or family,One simple yet powerful example of how cuisine serves as a form of communication and expression across cultures is pizza. Originating from Italy, pizza has evolved into a global icon, each slice telling a story of culinary innovation and adaptation. every variation reflects the unique tastes and preferences of different regions and communities, for example India has chicken 65 pizza and we love it. From New York to Naples, pizza brings people together, bridging cultural divides and sparking conversations over a shared love of good food. In this way, pizza transcends borders, serving as a universal language that unites us all in the joy of delicious dining experiences.
In what ways do you think cuisine acts as a form of communication and expression across different cultures?
Certainly! The spice trade has left an indelible mark on culinary traditions worldwide, let’s take the example of the versatile use of cumin. In India, cumin is a quintessential spice, infusing dishes with its warm, earthy aroma through techniques like tadkas in dal and vegetable preparations. Similarly, in Lebanese cuisine, cumin powder is used instead of cumin as a whole which plays a pivotal role in dishes like falafel and hummus, lending a distinctive flavor profile. This intercontinental exchange of spices, shows how the spice trade has seamlessly woven its influence into the fabric of global gastronomy.
Can you discuss a historical example of how food has been a medium for cultural exchange between two distinct regions? What were the long-term impacts of this exchange on both cuisines?
During an episode of MasterChef India Season 7, the contestants were taken to Goa where Chef Vikas mentioned an intriguing fact—many beloved Indian ingredients actually originated from Portuguese influence. It was a revelation for me,sparking a newfound interest in the historical exchange between Portugal and India.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Portuguese arrived in India, they brought not only ships but also a rich culinary heritage. They introduced ingredients like tomatoes, potatoes, chilies, and cashew nuts, which have become essential elements of Indian cuisine. Additionally, their emphasis on baking introduced new bread varieties like naan and pav to Indian cooking.
One iconic dish that exemplifies this fusion is vindaloo. With its roots in Portuguese cuisine, vindaloo combines wine and garlic with Indian spices, resulting in a tangy and spicy delicacy beloved by many.
Thanks to the Portuguese, Indian cuisine experienced a flavorful revolution, blending diverse ingredients and culinary techniques to create the vibrant tapestry of flavors enjoyed today.
What can be learned from indigenous food systems that might contribute to modern discussions about sustainability and food security?
Indigenous peoples often have a deep understanding of their local environments and ecosystems. They use this knowledge to grow and gather food in ways that work with nature rather than against it. For example, they may use traditional farming methods that enrich the soil and conserve water, or they might gather wild plants that are naturally abundant in their area.
By learning from these practices, we can develop more sustainable approaches to agriculture that reduce harm to the environment and ensure food production can continue for generations to come. Additionally, indigenous food systems often prioritize community and sharing, which can inspire us to think more collectively about how we produce and distribute food.
Overall, by respecting and learning from indigenous food systems, we can move towards a more sustainable and equitable food future for everyone.Top of Form
Your top 5 dish you Always wanted to eat?
My top 5 dishes I wanna try are hot chocolate in paris, paella, oysters, acai bowls and a mille feuille
How do traditional Italian food practices and rituals contribute to the preservation of cultural identity and heritage, especially in an era of rapid globalization and cultural homogenization?
Traditional Italian cooking is more than just a way to satisfy hunger; it’s a journey through time and culture. Passed down through generations, recipes like pizza and pasta carry with them the stories and flavors of the past, keeping alive the rich heritage of Italy.
For instance, Neapolitan pizza from Naples, with its thin, crispy crust and simple yet flavorful toppings, speaks to the culinary traditions of the Campania region. But Italian food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the connections it fosters. It’s about families coming together to share meals like pizza nights or pasta dinners, laughter, and stories, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. And as Italian cuisine finds its way onto tables around the world, with pizzerias and trattorias serving up slices of pizza and plates of pasta, it serves as a delicious ambassador for Italy’s cultural richness and traditions, inviting everyone to savor a taste of la dolce vita.
