MasterChef India Season 7 Episode 12 is titled ‘MasterChef Ka Brahmastra’ and the synopsis reads as – The task of winning the ‘immunity pin’ continues with the remaining eight home cooks. What new tasks have the chefs planned for the home cooks?
The judges of the show include Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar, who are joined by Garima Arora, the first-ever female chef to be a judge on the show. The cooking competition show is a nationwide quest to find the best ‘home cook’ and draws out some of the most brilliant chefs from across India. The judges sample recipes from various cuisines that the contestants prepare in their search for India’s ‘MasterChef’. The show is produced by Endemol Shine India and it is directed by Neeraj Shetty.
-MasterChef India Season 7 Episode 12 Review and Recap Contains Spoilers-
Today’s challenge for the selected top 8 contestants – Aruna, Suvarna, Gurkirat, Nayanjyoti, Santa, Vineet, Kamaldeep and Priyanka, was to create one dish from the four levels of ingredients revealed to them. Chef Vikas unveiled the pyramid, divided into four levels. Level 1 consisted of herbs, spices and seeds; level 2 consisted of fruits and meat products; level 3 consisted of vegetables and nuts; and level 4 consisted of grains, cereals and sweeteners.
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They all were assigned the levels randomly by choosing one of the eight boxes presented to them. The contestants had the choice to listen to the sound of ingredients inside the box and choose. Aruna and Nayanjyoti got level 4; Priyanka and Santa got level 3, Kamaldeep and Gurkirat picked level 2, and finally, Suvarna & Vineet got level 1. The contestants were only given 1 minute to choose the ingredients from their level.
The pantry was also closed, so they had to make a dish from the ingredients they chose, within the time limit of 60 minutes. After being on the show for the last 2 weeks at least, the contestants were confident with their dishes and choices but little did they know that the dish they are trying to make might not see the light of day.
The reason is the surprise twist introduced by the judges in the middle of the challenge. The same-level contestant was asked to swap places and continue making the dish that their counterparts were making. Also, this will be the final dish on the basis of which they will be judged and win the immunity pin.
This twist shook the contestants as they weren’t able to grasp what their co-contestants had in mind and decided to make what they could think of, looking at the ingredients in front of them. Once the time got over, Suvarna & Vineet, who got level 1 were called upon to present. The judges asked each contestant what they were aiming to make and if this is exactly that, to which almost everyone denied it.
Vineet presented a ravioli pasta, which was applauded for the presentation but his ravioli filling was bland and the sauce was bitter as well. Suvarna transformed Vineet’s dish into a tart but she failed to taste all the ingredients and presented chena as yoghurt, which got the judges angry, as the cooks should always taste their dishes before presenting. This also created some tension between the contestants as they blamed each other for not preparing well before they got swapped.
Gurkirat presented a tropical delight which was supposed to be a chicken and mixed fruit sauce. Judges commented on his effort but the dome of cream was too much; Kamaldeep presented a fish and fruit salad, which was supposed to be a fish mousse originally. Level 3 contestants Santa presented a butternut squash tart which was being prepared as a vegan cheesecake by Priyanka, still, her dish was said to be the best.
While Priyanka made a cannoli with what she had and was complimented for having a balance of flavours which was similar to the street food experience. Finally, Level 4 competitor, Nayanjyoti presented a tart with kheer and jaggery sauce, but he lacked the personal touch of flavours as he couldn’t figure out what Aruna was trying to make and even threw some of the prepared stuff by mistake.
Aruna made pie with millet and sorghum and was complimented for excellent presentation and making the best use of what was at hand. Out of all the dishes, her pie was the only one that got only applause and happy smiles from the judges.
Final Thoughts: MasterChef India Season 7 Episode 12
The end of the two day challenge, found two winning dishes today of – Santa and Aruna. Out the two, Aruna was awarded the pin, as the judges couldn’t find any issues in the dish. Through this immunity pin, she can make use of it anytime before the semi finals and can save herself in important challenges.
Today’s challenge was definitely the hardest which actually shook the contestants, to get their head in the competition and not lose focus at any moment. The biggest issue I have been seeing is that the contestants do not taste their dishes before presenting to the judges and that’s a big mistake on their part as pointed out by Chef Garima as well.
MasterChef India Season 7 is currently streaming on SonyLIV and a new episode is released from Monday to Friday at 9 PM.
Also Read: Check Out All of Our MasterChef India Season 7 Reviews
Few things I noticed
1. Contestants not wearing hair covering while cooking, possibility of hair getting into food.
2. While tasting they lick their hand, back to cooking without washing their hand. Suggestion: Using plastic spoon to check taste and discard is more hygienic.
3. Talking while cooking possibility of saliva spray in the food. May be mask wearing during cooking will be good idea.