Vasavada is a former financial analyst.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Viewers of the top-rated reality show “MasterChef,” hosted by the incorrigible TV-kitchen personality Gordon Ramsay, have seen a menagerie of different types of cooks come and go. However, the series’ sixth season marks the first time a Hindu and vegetarian has ever thrown their apron into the fray in a bid to win the drama-filled competition.
Hetal Vasavada, 27, earned her spot on “MasterChef” on May 20, after preparing an apple pastry cup with cardamom whipped cream which she implied was a natural extension of herself “on a plate.” The dish was enough to swing every judge in her favor save one: Ramsay himself.
The former financial analyst Vasavada, according to her LinkedIn profile, graduated from the University of Sciences in Philadelphia with a degree in biochemistry as well as the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
While Vasavada grew up watching her mother and relatives prepare Gujarati dishes, she discovered her personal knack for the culinary arts while she was in college after learning to prepare food for her Indian classmates who yearned for a home cooked meal and more importantly, a fleeting, nostalgic taste of home.
“My parents came to New Jersey from being farmers in India — that’s where my love of food came [from],” she told MasterChef.
A passionate baker — which Vasavada relates back to her background in chemistry — her eventual goal is to start her own cookie business.
Aside from Vasavada’s natural affinity for pastries and desserts, the Indian American chef also prepares a plethora of various dishes that hone their inspiration from a smorgasbord of different cultures, including South Asian “Aloo Gobi Matar,” Italian style “Pesto Pappardelle with Artichoke Hearts & Peas,” “West African PEanut Soup,” and “Thai Green Curry Noodles.”
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