Morteza Nouri for MasterChef: The Professionals series 19 Heat 2 / © BBC/Shine TV Ltd
Age: 31
Lives: London
Current Position: Private Chef
Social Media:Instagram
Where do you currently work?
“As a private chef for a client in Mayfair.”
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
“Growing up watching my grandmother cook and the love and understanding she had for good food, I remember her never following a recipe, she just winged it and tasted along the way. Not to mention, she taught my auntie and late mother how to cook and they ended up better than her!”
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I wouldn’t say I really have a style; I love to make and eat food that nourishes the body and soul. Using ingredients with medicinal benefits and having a great balance of cooked and raw foods, mix of vegetables, beans and pulses etc. Conscious eating is a huge thing for me as food is quite literally the building blocks for our body and the fuel for our brain and second brain, the gut.”
What are three ingredients you couldn’t live without?
“Garlic, organic cultured butter and tomatoes.”
Why did you take part in the show?
“I wanted to test my ability under the pressure of the competition without practice. My goal was to see how far I have come and see how much more I can improve.
“It’s very easy to be a critic and judge watching the screen from your sofa but to make the decision to challenge yourself is another ball game.”
The new series of MasterChef: The Professionals is ongoing on BBC One and iPlayer.
