The winners of BBC Masterchef: Dhruv Baker
Each day, we’re taking a look at the winners of BBC Masterchef, with a look at their inspirations, winning dishes and what they’ve been up to since winning the show.
The MasterChef finalists: Dhruv Baker, Tim Kinnaird and Alex Rushmer. Photograph: Chris Ridley/Shine/BBC
Baker by name, baker by nature! We take a look at Masterchef 2010 winner, Dhruv Baker
Usually, when people are being filmed for a popular TV series, they can’t wait to tell all their friends and relatives. But for Dhruv Baker, keeping his place on Masterchef a secret just added to the thrill.
Baker managed to fool his nearest and dearest by sticking to an elaborate story about how he was taking part in jury duty on a fraud trial. Imaginative to say the least!
He states:
I told everyone at work I was doing jury service on a financial fraud trial – if I’d said it was a juicy murder they’d have asked questions
Even his wife Aileen had to sign a non-disclosure agreement! But his secrecy certainly paid off when he wooed the judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with his unique fusion of Indian and Western flavours.
Living up to the age-old phrase, Baker certainly stood the heat and remained in the kitchen outperforming every other contestant even during the sweltering final in India where he cooked for a sacred maharajah as well as preparing lunch for renowned chef Alan Ducasse and five of his protégés.
The winning menu
For his winning Masterchef menu, Baker started off with Saffron and Ginger Poached Lobster Tail with Celeriac Puree on Blanched Fennel with a Beurre Noisette Foam. His main was Venison with Potato, Brunoise and Fenugreek Crust, Sugar glazed Carrots on a Carrot and Cumin Puree, Confit Chestnuts and a Venison Jus. To top it all off, he finished with a trio of desserts consisting of: Poached Pear in Sauterne and Star Anise, Masala Chi Ice Cream, and a Chocolate Truffle with Pistachio Topping.
Always a challenge to satisfy, judge Greg Wallace commented:
unusual food and brilliant food. He is probably one of the most amazing talents I’ve seen. He has the palate of an angel
Life before Masterchef
Previously Baker’s day-job was a world away from the sieving, rolling, stirring and whipping he got stuck into on the show. Before appearing on the show, he was a board director at Hi-Tech Media but always craved to work in the food industry.
Baker was born in Mexico where he lived with his parents until at just 4 years old, the family moved to India where he would grow up to be enticed and inspired by all the incredible colours, textures, flavours and scents around him.
In his own words:
I am overwhelmed. It feels so liberating. I have always been interested in food. For years people said I should go on Masterchef – so I decided this year just to see if I really was good enough in the eyes of the experts
Once he’d won the prestigious title, he swapped his suits for aprons instantly and quit his job to fulfil his passion in the kitchen.
So what does the future hold for the determined chef? Well, it’s certainly not pie in the sky: ‘My dream is to have my own kitchen but now I am happy to peel potatoes and start at the bottom so I can really learn the craft.’
Meet Dhruv
Did you know that Dhruv is a regular star speaker at past BBC Good Food Shows? And this year, Dhruv will once again be taking stage at the Summer Kitchen this year so if you feeling inspired by Dhruv’s recipes like those on the Waitrose Youtube channel be sure to book an easy way to get to the Good Food Show.
Related posts:
- The winners of BBC Masterchef: Mat Follas
- The winners of BBC Masterchef: Shelina Permalloo
- The winners of BBC Masterchef: James Nathan
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