“Keema was my first experience of Indian food,” Masterchef Alumni, Restaurateur and TV Personality Sarah Todd

Food lovers all over Australia will be encouraged to ‘stay in and entertain’ this October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) to support clinical trials research that aims to save every life from breast cancer – www.breastcancertrials.org.au

World leading research organisation, Breast Cancer Trials, is spicing things up with a mouth-watering Indian themed 3 Course Challenge that will take place from August until November  – www.3coursechallenge.com.au.

This delicious fundraising initiative invites Australians to take on the challenge of not only cooking a three course Indian feast for friends and family, but also raising money to support life-saving breast cancer clinical trials research. All those concerned they don’t have the culinary prowess to pull off a three-course Indian dinner party, need not worry, they will have Masterchef Alumni, Restaurateur and TV Personality Sarah Todd by their side. 

Indus Age spoke to Sarah about her love for Indian food, the best part of cooking, the 3 Course Challenge and more in an interview with Indus Age.

Interviewed by Nidhi Kumari

How did your interest in Indian food and cooking Indian food develop?

My son is half Punjabi, so I spent many years learning the wonders of Indian cuisine while cooking alongside and learning from his paternal grandmother. I began my cooking career at Le Cordon Bleu in London.  However, as a contestant on MasterChef Australia, it was only natural that these influences shaped my cooking style.

Indian food is so varied with multicultural cuisines, what approach should one follow to satiate the taste buds of an Indian, according to you? And how do you see this (multicultural cuisines of India)?

Flavour!  As an Australian living in India, my palate has evolved, and everything I create now is loaded with flavour.

Any special memories/moments that you have with India, its people, and food.

I have so many special memories of India! One of my most memorable experiences was during a visit to Rajasthan. I was welcomed into the homes of the Rajasthani locals to cook bajre ki roti (Indian flatbread made using pearl millet) topped with white butter. I remember breaking the roti and eating it with local jaggery. It is these unique experiences that teach you about the soul of a land.

Which is your favourite Indian dish?

I would have to say that Keema was my first experience of Indian food and still to date is one of my top 10 favourite dishes.

What’s the best thing about cooking?

For me, cooking for friends and family is an opportunity to show how much you care for them.   Our evening meal was a special time in my home growing up.  We sat around the dinner table and shared our thoughts and discussed what happened that day.  Cooking is about giving, sharing, and bringing people together.

Is it important to be a professional to be a great cook?

A great cook enjoys cooking and is willing to put in the time and effort to learn the basics.  By mastering a few great dishes, everyone can impress their family, friends, or colleagues.

On a personal note, what do you do when you are not working?

I am very much a homebody these days. I enjoy spending time with my son, friends, and family. I like to escape to my hometown in Queensland as much as possible and relax in my Mum’s kitchen!

How do you keep fit and resist yourself with such amazing delicacies around?

My focus now as a chef is not so much on how I look but on how I feel. I have learnt to not be so hard on myself. Although I’ve put on a lot of weight since my modelling days, I look in the mirror and feel proud of what my body can do, what it’s been through and what it’s going to take me through in the future.   

Speaking about the ‘Course Challenge to raise money for breast cancer’. What inspired you to be a part of the 3–course challenge?

My Mum is a breast cancer survivor. It is important to continue finding new and better treatments for breast cancer patients.

Finally, message for our readers.

As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc in every corner of the world, it is vital to acknowledge our own struggles during this crisis.  None of my family or friends lives in a five-kilometre radius, and I admit it is challenging.  But one thing I can do is pick up the phone and reach out.  We are not alone in this! 

I encourage you to join the 3-course challenge.  It is a wonderful opportunity to get in the kitchen and, with my help, cook up an Indian feast for your loved ones. Remember, the first step to being a great cook is to enjoy cooking!