Suhael Raghunath exits MasterChef South Africa after soufflé setback

Durban home cook Suhael Raghunath has become the fourth contestant eliminated from MasterChef South Africa after a challenging episode centred on the humble onion.

Despite demonstrating strong technical ability and impressive knife skills, the 28-year-old’s dishes fell short in flavour and execution during the latest episode of the cooking competition on e.tv.

Onion challenge tests contestants

The episode opened with a surprise twist as judges Chef Zola Nene, Chef Katlego Mlambo and Justine Drake announced that contestants would face two challenges instead of the usual one.

When the Mystery Boxes were opened, contestants discovered the spotlight ingredient was the brown onion.

In the first challenge, home cooks had 45 minutes to create a standout dish featuring the everyday ingredient.

Ambitious concept lands Suhael in danger zone

Suhael attempted an ambitious onion “steak” paired with a deconstructed onion soup.

During the cook, judge Zola Nene commented on Suhael’s speed and confidence with his knife work as he chopped ingredients rapidly.

Although Suhael believed his dish was among the strongest of the challenge, the judges placed him in the bottom five alongside contestants Nkululeko, Simele, Candice and Lesego.

The judges later explained that while the dish showed creativity, it lacked enough seasoning and flavour.

Soufflé gamble ends MasterChef journey

The bottom five contestants were required to cook again in an elimination round where the challenge was to create a dish highlighting at least three members of the onion family.

Staying true to his adventurous cooking style, Suhael attempted a technically demanding goat’s cheese soufflé with bacon, green onion and baby pearl onions — despite never having made a soufflé before.

During the cook, he explained his mindset.

“I either give it my all, or I’m going to go back home regretting stuff.”

Unfortunately, the risk did not pay off. The judges ruled that Suhael’s soufflé had collapsed, resulting in his elimination from the competition.

Dish of the day goes to Jeshen

While Suhael exited the competition, fellow contestant Jeshen impressed the judges with a Middle Eastern-inspired dish called “Onion Garden”, earning the title of dish of the day.

What’s next on MasterChef South Africa

Next week’s episode will see the remaining 16 contestants tackle a nose-to-tail cooking challenge.

Guest judge Giles Edwards will join the panel for the challenge.

MasterChef South Africa airs Sundays at 18:00 on e.tv, with simultaneous streaming on eVOD Live TV.

Episodes are repeated:

• Saturdays at 17:00 on e.tv
• Saturdays at 20:30 on eExtra
• Sundays at 17:00 on eReality

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