Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2018
Seated in two straight rows, participants were all set for a rewarding cooking class led by none other than the talented Chef Ummah Mostofa at the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2018 kitchen this past week. This time, the chef came with a list of tips and tricks to share with the participants that will come handy for fusion recipes.
Turkish Mutton Rib Chop and English Fish and Chips, otherwise lightly salted and flavored, received a transformative makeover with the generous addition of local spices such as mustard oil, sour curd, black pepper and garlic paste. While adding a different set of ingredients, Chef Ummah Mostofa also stated their alternatives for the authentic recipe. Zahidul Islam Zahid commented, “Certainly, this was a different lesson for us. Prior to this class, we didn't know that we could prepare these continental items with ingredients that are readily available in our kitchen.”
With added knowledge from the chef class, participants were prepared to use those skills and techniques in the Arabian food challenge of the sixteenth episode. In honor of the theme, Chef of Qatar Airways and food carving specialist Billal Hossain graced the show as a guest judge. As if the cuisine was not intimidating enough, the to-be chefs' hearts skipped a beat when they saw the mystery box standing on their kitchen counters. “Nowadays, mystery box does not only come with a challenge. It rockets the blood pressure for some of us while crushing it for the rest,” expressed a perplexed Ripna Begum. On the other hand, Moinul Huq could barely heed the rules of the challenge with his brain clogged with uncoordinated ideas for his own dish. All the participants further gasped when the mystery box revealed the unexpected- a bowl of chickpeas, capsicum, and black pepper. 'What can you possibly make with that?' they all wondered. Thus, a tense 30 minute countdown began.
The challenge held strong even at the food tasting table. Chef Billal Hossain, who is known for his expert Arabian culinary skills, scrutinized every single detail and did not excuse any downfall. Even with strict inspection from all the judges, Shamsun Nahar's chicken-chickpea Maqluba passed with flying colors. “Arabian cuisine was not set as a challenge for any of the past seasons. I don't understand why we are assigned with such a difficult task,” said Shamsun Nahar at the start of the challenge. The end results showed a turn of events and a glimmering best dish badge on Shamsun Nahar's apron.
With the announcement of the top performer, tensions whirled up in the kitchen. The elimination round began with a fierce pressure test among the most eligible contenders — Tisha, Ripna, Monir, and Zahid. The game for survival required the preparation of an appetizing Arabian dessert. After a neck-to-neck battle, Monir Hossain's beautifully seasoned Arabian fruit custard failed to please the judges due to an unwanted salty layer. As chef trainer Nafiz Islam Lipi pointed out, only perfection will make through the present rounds. Hence, this time the Super Chef kitchen saw a smiling Monir leave the competition.
Another kitchen counter has been vacated. Which Superchef will be able to cling onto their kitchen top? Watch Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2018 on ntv, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm, to find out who amongst the remaining top 8 reigns the kitchen in the end.
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