NEED TO KNOW
- MasterChef Australia winner Justin Narayan is partnering with IGA to inspire people to cook at home this Valentine’s Day.
- As part of the Local Love initiative, he is delivering his ultimate Valentine’s Day as part of a special dining experience in Sydney.
- The 2021 winner is also exclusively sharing his tips with us on how to make the best menu at home.
MasterChef Australia winner Justin Narayan knows his way around the kitchen and is encouraging others to cook at home this Valentine’s Day.
The International Day of Love can feel overwhelming, but the former contestant said it’s the simplest things that can make the biggest difference.
Speaking exclusively with New Idea, he said it’s about showing someone you care.
“I would start with just trying to cook something that you really love and something that you’re very confident with cooking, and encourage them to put a little bit of flair, or touch, just think about the other person that they’re cooking for, trying to incorporate some of that flavour or story into it,” he shared.
“I don’t think it has to be like mind-blowingly complex,” he continued.
If you need ideas, you can start with his Masala Pasta Alla Vodka, Chocolate Mud Cake with Cardamom Ice Cream and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Elote Ribs.
He also says you don’t need to make something completely from scratch in order for it to be special.
“Sometimes it could be just using a store-bought ingredient or a store-bought product, and just trying to pimp it up with either a sauce or a bit of a garnish, or even just plating,” he said.
That’s why Justin has partnered with IGA as part of its Local Love initiative, and is whipping up Valentine’s Day kitchen inspiration at the IGA in Romeo’s Food Hall in Eveleigh, Sydney, on February 12.
For those going, they can look forward to whipped ricotta, whipped hummus, roast chicken, confit tomatoes, steaks, whipped cheesecake, and chocolate mousse.
According to the supermarket’s research, 84 per cent of Australians say they’d enjoy a meal more if they could customise it, with Justin saying IGA was the perfect go-to destination to do this.
“Every IGA kind of has its own flavours, so it depends on what your local looks like,” he explained, suggesting that people use the best of what their local IGA offers.
If you want to take your food presentation to the next level, the MasterChef champion has a foolproof formula.
“Just make sure everything has a purpose and a meaning,” he explained.
“Because at the end of the day it’s about what it tastes like as well, so don’t compromise flavour over looks.”
