2 Chefs cook from a home cook’s fridge _ Sorted Food

The Great Kitchen Takeover: A Roasted Tomato Soup Challenge with Two Chefs

As we begin this culinary adventure, it's clear that our home cook, Mike, is in for a surprise. He has raided his fridge, which has been stocked with an eclectic mix of ingredients, including Thai paste, bao buns, macaroons, pineapples, and apple celery and walnut slaw, to name a few. The goal is to create a dish using these unusual ingredients alongside the cooking skills of two professional chefs, Ben and Kush. The challenge is on, and Mike is excited to see what his fellow cooks can come up with.

The Ingredients: A Look Inside Mike's Fridge

Mike takes us through the contents of his fridge, revealing a treasure trove of unexpected ingredients. We have Thai paste, which he reveals will be used in his Monster-infused dish. He also mentions bao buns, macaroons, and pineapples, which will make an appearance later in the challenge. The apple celery and walnut slaw is another mystery ingredient that Mike is eager to incorporate into his recipe. Finally, we have a selection of cheeses, including Gruyere, sushi ginger, schwarma paste, and bacon, all of which will play a role in the final dish.

The Countdown Begins: 30 Minutes to Create

With just three minutes left before the challenge begins, Mike is feeling nervous but determined. He asks his fellow chefs if they have any tips or tricks up their sleeves, and Ben responds with a recommendation for filo pastry. Mike explains that he uses it to make his daughter's favorite aubergine tomato and pea pinwheels. Meanwhile, Kush shares his own experience with using filo pastry, which involves brushing it with oil and baking it until crispy.

Filko Spaghetti: A Creative Twist on a Classic

In a surprising twist, Mike reveals that he has taken the filo pastry and turned it into spaghetti. Ben is stunned by this innovation, and Kush asks him how he achieved this feat. Mike explains that he had taken the traditional method of brushing with oil and baked it until crispy to create a crunchy filo shard. This creative use of filo will add an interesting texture to the final dish.

The Ginger Syrup: A Sugar-Free Solution

As the clock ticks down, Mike is determined to reduce his Monster-infused soup to a ginger syrup. He explains that he has never done this before but hopes that there's enough ginger sweetness in the ingredients to make it work. Meanwhile, Ben is working on his own recipe, which involves using ginger ale instead of Monster.

Caramelizing and Crisping: The Art of Filo

Mike takes us through his process for caramelizing and crisping the filo pastry. He explains that he had taken Kush's advice and diluted his schwarma paste with oil before brushing it onto the filo. This resulted in a beautifully crispy pastry, perfect for adding to the dish.

Kaneffi: A Global Inspiration

As Mike reveals his final dish, he shares the story behind its creation. Kaneffi is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from a fine pastry soaked in syrup. Mike had tried it on a trip to Dubai and was inspired to create a caramelized pineapple Kaneffi cheesecake. This innovative recipe combines the flavors of Greece with the spices of the Middle East.

The Final Dish: A Sweet and Savory Masterpiece

With just seconds left on the clock, our three chefs present their final creations. Mike's roasted tomato soup is infused with Monster and served alongside a caramelized pineapple Kaneffi cheesecake. Ben's dish features a delicate balance of flavors, while Kush's creation showcases his expertise in combining unexpected ingredients.

A Sassy Chef and a Sausage

As we look at the finished dishes, Mike can't help but feel a sense of pride. He reveals that he had been sabotaged by the addition of Monster to his soup, which he describes as "outrageously sweet." Meanwhile, Kush shares a joke about his favourite sausage, adding a lighthearted touch to the proceedings.

A Masterclass in Creativity

As we wrap up this culinary adventure, it's clear that our three chefs have learned valuable lessons about creativity and flexibility. Mike, Ben, and Kush have demonstrated that even the most unexpected ingredients can be transformed into a delicious dish with the right combination of skills and imagination. And as for Mike, he may not know what he's getting himself into when it comes to cooking with these two professional chefs – but one thing is certain: his life will never be boring again.