MasterChef Australia 9 (2017)

Channel 10 has announced the premiere date for the ninth season of MasterChef Australia! It will start on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 7:30pm.

First Look video

As usual, you are all welcome to join in discussion of this season’s episodes and spoilers in Kitchenettebalcony forum.

MasterChef judges considered quitting the show back in 2013

Ep 1, Monday, May 1, 2017: Audition Round 1 – Signature Dish
The heat is on as MasterChef Australia returns for 2017. A fresh group of home cooks from around the country will eagerly tackle challenges that will see one of them take home the title & $250,000.
Masterchef Recap: What Dreams May Come

Contestants awarded with apron:
Rainbow Trout, Stamppot and Broth (Ben Ungermann)
Textures of Yuzu (Bryan Zhu)
Duck in the Wetlands (Josh Clearihan)
Roo with Native Flowers (Samuel Whitehead)
Father and Son (Sam Goodwin)
Ricotta Donuts with Curd and Custard (Eloise Praino)
Confit Salmon (Pete Morgan)
Saffron Poached Pears with Smoked Vanilla Ice Cream (Rashedul Hasan)
The Tea Ceremony (Jessica Butler)
Phoparccio (Nicole Stevenson)
Japanese Inspired Salmon Tartare (Callan Smith)
Gorgonzola Gnocchi with a Parmesan Crisp (Pia Gava)
Sunday Roast (Benjamin Bullock)
Crispy Pork Belly, Sticky Caramel and Wasabi Mayo (Diana Chan)
Tea Smoked Duck Breast with Duck Broth and Soba Noodles (Trent Devincenzo)
Golden Ball (Michelle Lukman)
Pork and Prawn Wontons with Spicy Szechuan Oil (Karlie Verkerk)
Szechuan Pork and Chive Dumplings (Tamara Graffen)
Bacon and Eggs (Ray Silva)
Pork Belly with Crackling and Caramel Vinegar Sauce (Benita Orwell)

Second-Chance contestants:
Twice Baked Cauliflower Soufflés (Eliza Wilson)
Pork Fillet, Apple and Crackle (Lee Behan)
Beef with Onion and Fennel Sauce (Sarah Tiong)

Third-Chance contestant:
Lamb with Cumin, Beets and Watercress (Arum Nixon)

Ep 2, Tuesday, May 2, 2017: Audition Round 2 – Maggie Beer’s Lemon Challenge
After a record-breaking first-round cook that saw an extraordinary 20 aprons handed out, only four aprons remain. Who will have what it takes to impress the judges?

Second-Chance Contestants awarded with apron:
Lemon and Fennel Ice Cream Sandwiches (Eliza Wilson)
Sous Vide Trout with Confit Leeks, Fennel Purée, Mussels and Pipis with a Lemon Buerre Blanc (Lee Behan)
Coconut and Lemon Ice Cream with a Lemon Sauce, Lightly Roasted Peanuts & Roti Jala (Sarah Tiong)

Third-Chance contestant:
Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemon, Honey and Thyme Ice Cream (Arum Nixon)

Ep 3, Wednesday, May 3, 2017: Audition Round 3 – Anna Polyviou’s Firecracker Pressure Test
In the third and final round of the judge’s auditions, six contestants are vying for the final apron, which will secure them a place in the top 24.
Masterchef Recap: Do you ever feel like a plastic bag?

Firecracker (Anna Polyviou)

MasterChef Australia 2017 – Top 24

Ep 4, Thursday, May 1, 2017: Elena’s Mystery Box
The Top 24 contestants enter the kitchen for their first mystery box challenge.

Season 8 winner, Elena Duggan’s Mystery Box: Chocolate, Lemon Myrtle, Cucumber, Macadamia, Kaiserfleisch, Blue Swimmer Crab, Grapes, Goat’s Cheese

Cheese, Wine and Chocolate (Sam Goodwin)
Caramelised Kaiserfleisch with Pickled Grape Sorbet (Callan Smith)
Cheese Board with Lemon Myrtle and Cucumber Ice Cream (Bryan Zhu)

Ep 5, Thursday, May 1, 2017: Paired Visible/Invisible Ingredients Elimination
The bottom 4 will cook off in an elimination challenge. Who will be the first to leave MasterChef Australia 2017?

Eliminated: Rashedul

Confit Salmon with Aniseed Beurre Blanc (Lee Behan)
Katoumari with Baklava Ice Cream and Date Puree (Benjamin Bullock)
Grilled Peaches with Shortbread and Earl Grey Custard (Benita Orwell)

Ep 6, Sunday, May 7, 2017: Home Cooking Week
Each judge has placed three of their favourite ingredients into the mystery box and contestants will have 75 minutes to create a remarkable dish for a chance at immunity.

No fancy equipment allowed in Home Cooking Week.

Judges’ Mystery Box: Green Beans (Gary), Red & Green Chillies (Gary), Prawns (Gary), Anchovies (George), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (George), Kefir (George), Pineapple (Matt), Pumpkin (Matt), Parmesan (Matt)

Winner: Eloise

Pineapple Tarte Tatin with Pumpkin Chilli Caramel and Toasty Bits (Eloise Praino)
Prawns with Pineapple Salsa and Pineapple Prawn Oil (Sarah Tiong)
Ricotta Doughnuts with Pineapple Syrup (Pia Gava)
Grilled Prawns with Parmesan Tuile and Pineapple Salsa (Diana Chan)
Roasted Pineapple Dish (Michelle Lukman)

Invention Test (3 common ingredients found in George’s mum kitchen): Fennel, Mussels, Baffalo Halloumi
Eloise’s choice: Baffalo Halloumi

Top 3: Eliza, Sarah, Karlie
Bottom 3: Pete, Ray, Lee

Haloumi, Pear and Mint Pastie with Date and Fig Jam (Eliza Wilson)
Whiting with Pickled Beetroot and Haloumi Cigars (Sarah Tiong)
Cheesy Sesame Crusted Fritters with Grapefruit and Honey Syrup (Karlie Verkerk)

Ep 7, Monday, May 8, 2017: Keeping-Up-with-Gary Pressure Test
The three contestants with the least impressive dishes from the invention test face off in the pressure test. To survive they must keep up with Gary Mehigan as he prepares his classic roast chicken.
Masterchef Recap: The Doctor Is — Just — In
Lee, Pete, Ray

Eliminated: Lee

Roast Chicken, Peas and Potatoes (Gary Mehigan)

Ep 8, Tuesday, May 9, 2017: Immunity Pin Challenge
The top three contestants from the invention test now compete in creating a family meal for four in half an hour. The winner will then take on a professional chef for a chance at immunity.
Eliza, Karlie, Sarah

Round 1: Cook a family meal (4 plates) in 32 minutes.

Winner: Sarah

Pan Fried Barramundi with Bok Choy and Vinaigrette (Sarah Tiong)

Round 2: Guest Chef – Victorian Young Chef of the Year, Jarrod Di Blasi (Ezard)
Pantry choices: Ingredients from Gary’s Fridge, George’s Fridge or Matt’s Fridge
Sarah’s Choice: Gary’s Fridge

Scores:
Sarah – Gary 7 + George 8 + Matt 8 = 23
Jarrod – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 27

No immunity pin for Sarah

Sashimi of Whiting with Roast Bone Dressing and Avocado Puree (Jarrod Di Blasi)
XO Marinated Steak with Pickled Mushrooms and Potato Mash (Sarah Tiong)

Ep 9, Wednesday, May 10, 2017: Italian Team Challenge at Gradi
The contestants gather at Gradi, one of Melbourne’s leading Italian restaurants before being split into two teams who must prepare four dishes for 250 hungry diners to avoid the elimination challenge.
Masterchef Recap: La Dolce Schadenfreude

Each team has to cook 2 pizzas, 1 pasta, and 1 dessert.
Number of customers: 250
At the Pass: Johnny Di Francesco

Green Team: Diana (C), Ben (pizza dough), Pete, Benita, Bryan (dessert), Callan (dessert), Eliza (pasta), Karlie (pasta), Ray, Sarah, Trent (pizza dough)
Red Team: Eloise (C), Arum (pizza dough), Benjamin, Jess (dessert), Josh, Michelle (dessert), Nicole, Pia (pasta), Sam (dessert), Samuel (pizza dough), Tamara (pasta)

Winner: Green Team

Green Team’s Pizzas
Fettuccine Arrabiata with Sopressa (Green Team)
Green Team’s Tiramisu

Ep 10, Thursday, May 11, 2017: Potato Elimination
Masterchef Recap: The Chips Are Down
Arum, Benjamin, Eloise, Jess, Josh, Michelle, Nicole, Pia, Sam, Samuel, Tamara

Round 1: Create the perfect hot chips with dipping sauce

Bottom 4: Jess, Josh, Benjamin, Michelle

Polenta Crusted Chips with a Porcini Mayo (Nicole Stevenson)
Twice Cooked Chips with a Whisky Sauce (Eloise Praino)
Triple Cooked Chips with BBQ Sauce (Arum Nixon)
Thrice Cooked Chips, Tomato Chutney and Roasted Garlic Aioli (Samuel Whitehead)
Twice Cooked Chips with Chicken and Rosemary Gravy (Sam Goodwin)
Hot Chips with a Chilli Jam and Mayo (Tamara Graffen)
Nacho Style Chilli Chips (Pia Gava)

Round 2: Create a delicious dish using potatoes

Eliminated: Josh

Salt and Vinegar with Chocolate Ganache and Potato Dumplings (Jessica Butler)
Grandma’s Vegetable Curry with Crispy Potato (Michelle Lukman)
Sweet Potato Donuts wth Lemon Curd and Chantilly Cream (Benjamin Bullock)

Ep 11, Thursday, May 11, 2017: Home Cooking MasterClass
The first MasterClass of 2017 led by judges Gary, George & Matt.

BBQ Broccoli (George Calombaris)
Chocolate and Beetroot (Gary Mehigan)
Matt’s Nuggets and Chips (Matt Preston)
Lamb Tortellini with Butter Sauce and Yoghurt Dressing (George Calombaris)

Ep 12, Sunday, May 14, 2017: Ben Shewry’s Challenges
Contestants have 75 minutes to create a dish using ingredients from the mystery box with the winner gaining the advantage in the invention test.

Ben Shewry’s Mystery Box: Sea Lettuce, Scallops, Kangaroo, Waxflowers, Wattle Seeds, Lemon Aspen Juice, Quandongs, Fresh Cheese

Winner: Ray

Native Elements Ice Cream Sandwich (Ray Silva)
Quandong Semifreddo with Aspen Crumb and Cheese Mousse (Trent Devincenzo)
Kangaroo Tartare with Smoked Egg Yolk (Nicole Stevenson)
Kangaroo Carpaccio with Lemon Aspen Sorbet (Jessica Butler)
Quandong Stack with Brik Pastry and Lemon Aspen Curd (Tamara Graffen)

Ben Shewry’s Technique Invention Test
Technique Choices: Pickling, Curing, or Smoking (plus foraging from the garden)
Ray’s choice: Smoking

Top 3: Sarah, Sam, Eloise (dish of the day)
Bottom 3: Pia, Pete, Ray

Smoked Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich with Rosemary Shortbread (Eloise Praino)
Coriander Crusted Pork with Smoked Apple Puree (Sarah Tiong)
Smoked Rice Ice Cream with Nutmeg Milk Skin (Sam Goodwin)

Ep 13, Monday, May 15, 2017: Andy Bowdy’s ‘Rita’ Pressure Test
The bottom three contestants from the invention test now face a pressure test to recreate Andy Bowdy’s Rita cake to avoid elimination. Who will be the next to leave the competition?
Pete, Pia, Ray

Eliminated: Pia

Rita (Andy Bowdy)

Ep 14, Tuesday, May 16, 2017: Immunity Pin Challenge
Eloise, Sam, Sarah

Round 1: Making waffles

Winner: Eloise

Waffles with Triple Fried Chicken and Chilli Caramel (Eloise Praino)

Round 2: Guest Chef – Charlie Carrington (Atlas Dining)
Pantry Choices: Healthy, or Indulgent
Eloise’s choice: Indulgent

Scores:
Eloise – Gary 10 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 28
Charlie – Gary 7 + George 7 + Matt 7 = 21

Eloise won the Immunity Pin!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter (Eloise Praino)
Midnight Snack (Charlie Carrington)

Ep 15, Wednesday, May 17, 2017: Relay Team Challenge
The contestants are split into teams of four in a relay challenge as each member has 15 minutes to cook and only 45 seconds to hand over to the next cook in the relay.

Must use maple syrup in their dishes.

Blue – Tamara, Sarah, Michelle, Karlie, Jess
Green – Benita, Ben, Nicole, Arum, Pete
Red – Diana, Trent, Samuel, Callan, Ray
Yellow – Benjamin, Eloise, Bryan, Eliza, Sam

Safe Teams: Yellow, Red
Bottom Team: Green

Smoked Maple Ice Cream with White Chocolate Foam, Maple Bacon and Pickled Apple (Yellow Team)
Maple Nut Ice Cream with Maple Bacon, Maple Biscuit and Pickled Apple (Red Team)
Twice Cooked Maple Pork with Spring Onion Pancake and Asian Salad (Blue Team)

Ep 16, Thursday, May 18, 2017: Time Spending Elimination
The losing team from the relay challenge now face elimination and the contestants have 90 minutes which they can use to buy ingredients.
Arum, Ben, Benita, Nicole, Pete

All contestants have 90 minutes to spend on ingredients, any remaining time left will be their cooking time.

Pantries:
20-minute ingredients – chocolate, prawns, John dory, duck, lamb backstrap
10-minute ingredients – artichokes, coriander, ginger, cherries, lemongrass, chillies, potatoes, celeriac
5-minute ingredients – sugar, vanilla beans, kecap manis, dried porcini, pistachio, agar-agar, caperberries, chardonnay, tahini, etc.

Arum (70 minutes to cook) – 20 minutes spent on ginger, sugar, pistachio
Nicole (70 minutes to cook) – 20 minutes spent on ginger, sugar, pistachio
Ben (55 minutes to cook) – 35 minutes spent on John dory, artichoke, vanilla bean
Benita (45 minutes to cook) – 45 minutes spent on prawns, ginger, coriander, kecap manis
Pete (65 minutes to cook) – 25 minutes spent on cherries, vanilla beans, sugar, pistachio

Eliminated: Benita

Dory Fillet with Artichoke Three Ways and Vanilla Bean Hollandaise (Ben Ungermann)
Ginger Caramel Cake with Ginger Ice Cream (Arum Nixon)
Vanilla Cherry Layer Cake with Greek Yoghurt Mousse (Pete Morgan)
Ginger Steamed Pudding with Yoghurt Sorbet and Pistachio Praline (Nicole Stevenson)

Ep 17, Sunday, May 21, 2017: Sweet Week
Chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs sets a mystery box challenge but all is not as it seems when the contestants take to their mystery box with a mallet. Then, two-time winner of Asia’s pastry chef awards, Janice Wong treats the contestants to a display of her edible art – a spectacular wall of over 1,000 hand-made flowers that glow in the dark – to inspire them to create an winning invention test dish of their own.

Kirsten Tibballs’ Mystery Box:

Winner: Pete

Eliza’s Iced Vovo with Nectarine and Rum Marshmallow (Eliza Wilson)
Raspberry Sorbet with Matcha and Chocolate (Arum Nixon)
Sort of Trifle with Coconut Sponge and Coffee Jelly (Eloise Praino)
Pete’s Coconut with Roasted Coconut Ice Cream (Pete Morgan)
Fallen Ice Cream with Coffee Tuile and Raspberry Marshmallows (Bryan Zhu)

Janice Wong’s Invention Test: Create a flower inspired dessert
Pete’s advantage in winning the Mystery Box Challenge is having a 30 minutes head-start in Invention Test, plus one-on-one mentoring from Janice Wong.

Top 3: Callan, Sam, Diana
Bottom 3: Bryan, Trent, Samuel

Chocolate Ganache with Basil Granita and Elderflower and Yoghurt Sorbet (Sam Goodwin)
Apple and Rose Pie with Green Apple Syrup (Callan Smith)
Diana’s Strawberries and Cream (Diana Chan)

Ep 18, Monday, May 22, 2017: Christy Tania’s Ice Cream Float Pressure Test
Dessert queen Christy Tania sets a pressure test challenge like no other with her awe-inspiring dish, floating ice-cream which includes a helium-filled toffee balloon.
Masterchef Recap: Balloonatics.
Bryan, Samuel, Trent

Eliminated: Bryan

Ice Cream Float (Christy Tania)

Ep 19, Tuesday, May 23, 2017: Sweet Week Immunity Pin Challenge
In a surprise immunity challenge, there are not one but three immunity pins up for grabs. All three contestants will have a chance to cook against a professional chef. The professional chefs taking on the contestants this week are MasterChef Australia alumni Reynold Poernomo plus Angélique Peretto and Lauren Eldridge. Each contestant has 90 minutes to create a dessert while the professional chefs will only have 75 minutes.
Callan, Diana and Sam

Knife-draw to pair a contestant with a guest chef to cook against each other:
Callan to cook against Reynold Poernomo;
Diana to cook against Angélique Peretto;
Sam to cook against Lauren Eldridge.

Scores:
Callan – Gary 5 + George 5 + Matt 6 = 16
Reynold – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 27
No pin for Callan.

Scores:
Diana – Gary 5 + George 6 + Matt 7 = 18
Angélique – Gary 10 + George 10 + Matt 10 = 30
No pin for Diana.

Scores:
Sam – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 27
Lauren – Gary 10 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 28
No pin for Sam.

Green Tea with Coconut and Raspberry (Angelique Peretto)
Honeycomb with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream (Lauren Eldridge)
Mango Cream with Spiced Pineapple and Lemongrass and Ginger Consomme (Reynold Poernomo)

Ep 20, Wednesday, May 24, 2017: Edible Art Installation Team Challenge at Lyric Theatre
Contestants will be working in teams to design and create their own edible art installation in a specially constructed greenhouse. Pastry chef Darren Purchese is the guest mentor and will help guide the contestants through this marathon eight hour challenge.
Masterchef Recap: A Very Special Blossom

Red Team: Sarah (C), Arum, Ben, Diana, Eliza, Karlie, Pete, Sam and Trent
Blue Team: Tamara (C), Benjamin, Callan, Eloise, Jess, Michelle, Nicole, Ray and Samuel

Winner: Red Team

Red Team’s Japanese Zen Garden (Red Team)

Ep 21, Thursday, May 25, 2017: Blind-Fold Taste Test Elimination
The losing team from the greenhouse challenge now face elimination. The first three to fail the blind-fold taste test will have 75 minutes to prepare an impressive dish to stay in the competition.
Benjamin, Callan, Eloise, Jess, Michelle, Nicole, Ray, Samuel, Tamara

Round 1: Sphered Sweet (or can be used in sweet dishes) Ingredients Blindfold Taste Test

Bottom 3: Ray, Benjamin, Tamara

Round 2: Create a dessert using the ingredient the contestant got wrong in Round 1
Ray – grape
Benjamin – banana
Tamara – cucumber

Eliminated: Benjamin

Yoghurt Parfait with Cucumber Five Ways (Tamara Graffen)
Cheese Mousse with Sweet and Sour Grapes (Ray Silva)

Ep 22, Sunday, May 28, 2017: David Thompson’s Challenges
Contestants have 75 minutes to create a delicious dish from the mystery box of traditional Thai ingredients to gain advantage in the invention test.

David Thompson’s Mystery Box: Pork Belly, Barramundi, Betel Leaf, Coriander Seeds, Galangal, lemon Grass, Red Shallots, Shrimp Paste, Kaffir Limes

Winner: Karlie

Sticky Rice Dumplings with Basil and Lemongrass Syrup (Karlie Verkerk)
Spicy Pork with Thai Basil in Betel Leaf (Tamara Graffen)
Deep Fried Barramundi on Betel Leaf and Sticky Sauce (Diana Chan)
Tamarind Steamed Fish in Betel Leaves with Savoury Custard (Samuel Whitehead)
Barramundi Tom Yum Inspired Soup (Michelle Lukman)

Invention Test
Pantry Choice (ingredients from 2 of David’s favourite dishes): Pineapple and Crab Curry, or Tom Yum
Karlie’s choice: Pineapple and Crab Curry (23 ingredients)

Top 3: Tamara, Ben, Samuel
Bottom 3: Sam, Trent, Jess

Pineapple Roti with Lemongrass Ice Cream and Chilli Caramel (Tamara Graffen)
Lemongrass Ice Cream on Smashed Coconut Shortbread (Ben Ungermann)
Crab Stack with Pineapple Spiced Chutney (Samuel Whitehead)

Ep 23, Monday, May 29, 2017: Josue Lopez’s Pressure Test
The bottom three contestants from the invention test now cook off in a three hour pressure test set by 2016’s Chef of the Year. Who will impress and who has cooked their last dish in the competition?
Jess, Sam, Trent

Eliminated: Trent

After The Eucalypt Fire (Josue Lopez)

Ep 24, Tuesday, May 30, 2017:
The three best performers in the invention test battle it out for the chance to cook for an immunity pin. Will the amateur contestant have what it takes to out-cook a professional?
Ben, Samuel, Tamara

Round 1: Mac and Cheese

Winner: Tamara

Chilli Mac and Cheese (Tamara Graffen)

Round 2: Guest Chef – Clinton McIver (Amaru)
Core ingredient choices: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme
Tamara’s choice: Rosemary

Scores:
Tamara – Gary 8 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 26
Clinton – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 27

No immunity pin awarded.

Lamb Eye Fillet on Rosemary Ash with Orange Pith Puree and Rosemary Oil (Clinton McIver)
Roast Chicken Rosemary Dumplings with Chicken Broth (Tamara Graffen)

Ep 25, Wednesday, May 31, 2017:
Each team must serve two dishes in one of four market-friendly ways at the famous South Melbourne Market. The two teams that make the least amount of money will face off in an elimination challenge.

Blue Team (bowl): Sam (C), Diana, Eliza, Ray
Green Team (skewer): Tamara (C), Arum, Eloise, Sarah
Red Team (hand-held & napkin): Pete (C), Jess, Nicole, Samuel
Yellow Team (cone): Michelle (C), Ben, Callan, Karlie

Total amount raised for charity: $13,728

Best Food: Blue Team
Most money in till: Green Team – $4,158
Bottom Teams: Red and Yellow

Karaage Chicken with Wasabi Mayonnaise (Blue Team)
Eton Mess (Blue Team)
Sticky Pork with Mango (Green Team)
Doughnut Kebab with Caramelised Pineapple (Green Team)

Ep 26, Thursday, June 1, 2017: Egg Elimination
Eight contestants now face elimination and must survive three rounds if they are to keep their food dream alive. Will one of the top contenders fail to impress the judges?
Masterchef Recap: It’s Not Ova Till It’s Ova
Ben, Callan, Jess, Karlie, Michelle, Nicole, Pete, Samuel

Each contestant will receive only 6 eggs to use over three rounds.

Round 1 safe: Ben, Michelle, Nicole

Dutch Potato Salad (Ben Ungermann)
Vietnamese Salad in a Crispy Rice Paper Roll and Dukkah Coated Soft Boiled Egg (Nicole Stevenson)
Michelle’s Mee Goreng (Michelle Lukman)

Round 2 safe: Samuel, Karlie

Seared Tuna with Fennel and Soft Boiled Egg Emulsion (Samuel Whitehead)
Caesar Salad with Soft Boiled Egg, Chorizo and Grilled Lettuce (Karlie Verkerk)

Round 3 safe: Pete, Callan

Eliminated: Jess

Steak, Eggs and Chips (Pete Morgan)
Lamb Tartare with Raspberry Granita, Popcorn and Smoked Egg Yolk (Callan Smith)

Ep 27, Sunday, June 4, 2017: Yotam Ottolenghi Week Begins
Israeli-born, London-based chef-restaurateur, and master of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, Yotam Ottolenghi enters the MasterChef Australia kitchen with a mystery box full of some of his favourite ingredients, and gives contestants 75 minutes to create a delicious dish to gain an advantage going into the invention test.

Yotam Ottolenghi’s Mystery Box: Date Syrup, Freekeh, Sumac, Flat-Leaf Parsley, Rack of Lamb, Rose Water, Eggplant, Tahini Paste

Winner: Karlie

Middle Eastern Crispy Eggplant (Karlie Verkerk)
Whole Roast Smoky Eggplant with Tahini Dressing and Freekeh Salad (Eliza Wilson)
Sumac Lamb on Freekeh Pesto with Eggplant Puree and Yoghurt Sauce (Ben Ungermann)
Freekeh Crusted Lamb with Eggplant and Sweet and Sour Sauce (Sarah Tiong)
Tahini Ice Cream with Brik Pastry and Butterscotch Sauce (Michelle Lukman)

Invention Test: Create a stuffed dish
Karlie will get an extra 30 minutes to cook, and a one-on-one mentoring from Yotam.

Top 3: Karlie, Tamara, Diana
Bottom 3: Eloise, Pete, Ray

Stuffed Fruits with Crumble, Stuffed Filo and Greek Yoghurt Sorbet (Karlie Verkerk)
Baklava Toffee Apple with Pistachio, Walnut and Pickled Apple (Tamara Graffen)
Pearl Barley and Herb Risotto Stuffed in Spiced Squid (Diana Chan)

Ep 28, Monday, June 5, 2017: Mezze Elimination
The three contestants with the least impressive dishes from the invention test must cook off to avoid elimination in a pressure test set by the master of Mediterranean cuisine, Yotam Ottolenghi. The three contestants must recreate five classic Yotam dishes in just one hour.
Masterchef Recap: Five Easy Pieces
Eloise, Pete, Ray

Eliminated: Pete

Mezze Feast (Yotam Ottolenghi)

Ep 29, Tuesday, June 6, 2017:
In the ultimate taste test, the three best performers in the invention test must guess 25 ingredients in Yotam’s famous pastilla dish for a chance to cook against a professional chef for immunity. Does an amateur have what it takes to defeat a professional?
Diana, Karlie, Tamara

Round 1: Taste Test (Chicken Pastilla)

Winner: Karlie

Round 2: Guest Chef – Blayne Bertoncello (O.MY)
Pantry: 25 ingredients from the Yotam’s pastilla recipe

Scores:
Karlie – Gary 8 + George 8 + Matt 7 + Yotam 7 = 30
Blayne – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 + Yotam 8 = 35

No immunity pin awarded.

Salad of Tomatoes with Chicken (Blayne Bertoncello)
Braised Chicken with Onion Sauce, Chipotle and Tomato (Karlie Verkerk)

Ep 30, Wednesday, June 7, 2017:
Split into two teams, each group must prepare a Yotam Ottolenghi-style vegetarian feast for 10 die-hard meat lovers. The team that serves the least impressive feast will be up for elimination.

Blue Team: Callan (C), Ben, Eloise, Eliza, Michelle, Nicole, Ray
Green Team: Samuel (C), Arum, Diana, Karlie, Sam, Sarah, Tamara

Winner: Blue Team

Beetroot Kibbeh with Smoked Yoghurt Sauce (Blue Team)
Saffron Roasted Cauliflower with a Preserved Lemon Yoghurt (Blue Team)
Mixed Mushroom Dumplings (Blue Team)
Smoky Eggplant Dip (Blue Team)
Sugar Snap Peas, Mint and Pecorino Dip (Blue Team)
Confit Carrots, Nuts and Grains (Blue Team)
Sweet Potato Chips (Blue Team)
Flaky Flatbread (Blue Team)
Yoghurt Flatbread (Blue Team)

Ep 31, Thursday, June 8, 2017: Thinly-Sliced-Ingredients Sight Test
The seven members of the losing team from the vegetarian feast challenge are facing elimination. Which favourite will be going home?
Arum, Diana, Karlie, Sam, Samuel, Sarah, Tamara

Eliminated: Samuel

Backyard Apple Crumble (Arum Nixon)
Grilled Nectarine and Apple Tart (Tamara Graffen)

Ep 32, Thursday, June 8, 2017: Yotam Ottolenghi MasterClass
A very special Yotam Ottolenghi MasterClass.

Scotch Eggs with Aubergine and Manchego (Yotam Ottolenghi)
Cauliflower Salad with Shallots, Barberries and Pistachios (Yotam Ottolenghi)
Pistachio and Rose Semolina Cake (Yotam Ottolenghi)
Skordalia (George Calombaris)
Yabby and Tomato Tart (Gary Mehigan)

Ep 33, Sunday, June 11, 2017: Curtis Stone’s Mystery Box
Contestants have an hour to create a delicious dish from ingredients found in the Mystery Box set by international celebrity chef, Curtis Stone.

Curtis Stone’s Mystery Box: Rump of Beef, Prociutto, Gorgonzola Dolce, Grapefruit, Tumeric, Thyme, Raw Almonds, Wombok

Winner: Sam

Grapefruit, Almonds and Blue Cheese (Sam Goodwin)
Rump Steak with Chargrilled Wombok and Grapefruit Reduction (Diana Chan)
Blue Cheese Ice Cream with Almond Crumb, Candied Prosciutto and Braised Wombok (Ray Silva)

Fresh Produce Invention Test: Kingfish, Capers, Turnips

Top 3: Diana, Karlie, Michelle
Winner of Power Pin: Karlie

Bottom 4: Sam, Ray, Arum, Tamara

Deconstructed Sushi Roll (Karlie Verkerk)

Ep 34, Monday, June 12, 2017: Deniz Karaca’s Pressure Test
The bottom four contestants from the invention test must now cook off in the Pressure Test set by one of the world’s top chocolatiers to avoid elimination. Who will be next to leave the competition?
Arum, Ray, Sam, Tamara

Passion for Caramel Tart (Deniz Karaca)

Eliminated: Tamara

Ep 35, Tuesday, June 13, 2017: Return of The Eliminated Contestants
12 of the previously eliminated contestants now have a chance to cook their way back into the competition. Which one of the home cooks will secure themselves a second chance?
Masterchef Recap: The Dawning of a Brand New Day

Winner: Tamara

Pineapple Nougat with Peanut Chilli Brittle and Chilli Caramel (Tamara Graffen)

Ep 36, Wednesday, June 14, 2017: Matt Sinclair’s Pop-Up Team Challenge
MasterChef Australia 2016 runner-up Matt Sinclair is on hand to mentor contestants in a pop-up restaurant team challenge to create a three-course menu for 100 diners.

Because of the uneven numbers, returnee Tamara has to choose someone to sit out of the challenge, she chose Eloise.

Blue Team: Ben (C), Arum, Michelle, Tamara, Ray, Sam
Red Team: Karlie (C), Callan, Diana, Eliza, Nicole, Sarah

Blue team has to cook seafood based dishes.
Red team has to cook meat based dishes.

Winner: Red Team

Pork San Choy Bow with Chilli Peanuts (Red Team)
Five Spice Pork Belly with Grilled Corn and Pickles (Red Team)
XO Beef with Charred Bok Choy and Mushrooms (Red Team)
Lime Semifreddo with Pineapple and Kaffir Lime (Red Team)

Ep 37, Thursday, June 15, 2017: Potluck Elimination
The six members of the losing team from the pop-up restaurant challenge enter the kitchen facing elimination. Who will be the next contestant to leave the competition?
Arum, Ben, Michelle, Tamara, Ray, Sam

Eliminated: Ray

Poached Bugs with Pernod and Seafood Bisque (Ben Ungermann)
Lamb Rack with Red Onion Puree and Sauteed Peas (Sam Goodwin)
Duck Breast with Pine Nuts and Cherry and Onion Sauce (Tamara Graffen)
Sweet Indonesian Crepe Croquette (Michelle Lukman)
Seared Beef with Mushroom Puree and Charred Onions (Arum Nixon)

Ep 38, Sunday, June 18, 2017: Heston Week Road Trip Begins – Water
It’s heston Blumenthal week on MasterChef Australia! Heston takes the top 12 contestants on a road trip through regional Victoria, travelling across the state from Mildura to Mornington to cook with fresh local produce. First stop is the mighty Murray River in Swan Hill, where the judges reveal that every challenge across the week will be based on one of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The mystery box has been set by Heston – a selection of ingredients from the Murray catchment – and the invention test sees the contestants creating a delicious dish inspired by water.

Heston’s Murray Produce Mystery Box: Murray Cod, Vine Dried Currents, Porridge Oats, Oranges, Olives, Corn, Saltbush, Snails

Winner: Diana

Murray River Cod with Smoked Corn Puree, Snails and Dehydrated Olives (Diana Chan)
Pan Seared Cod with Dehydrated Olives, Saltbush Cake and Sauce (Karlie Verkerk)
Poached Cod with Charred Corn (Sarah Tiong)

Invention Test: Water
Diana will get 15 extra minutes cooking time with one-on-one mentoring by Heston.

Bottom 2: Sarah, Diana

White Chocolate Rocks, White Chocolate Cream and Passionfruit Granita (Michelle Lukman)

Ep 39, Monday, June 19, 2017: Earth
The judges welcome the contestants to the heart of the Victorian wheat belt and to the iconic Brim silos that celebrate the farmers who have settled in this part of the state. Contestants split into pairs have 75 minutes to cook one main & one dessert that must incorporate the element of earth. The least impressive team will then need to cook off to avoid elimination.
Masterchef Recap: Kiss The Dirt

Green Team: Eloise, Michelle
Blue Team: Callan, Sam
Yellow Team: Arum, Ben
Red: Eliza, Tamara
Purple Team: Karlie, Nicole

Least Impressive Team: Blue

Saltbush Lamb with Root Vegetables and Bush Honey Jus (Purple Team)
Grapes and Grains (Purple Team)

Ep 40, Tuesday, June 20, 2017: Air
MasterChef Australia judges and Heston Blumenthal welcome the eight contestants to the Mildura salt pan. The contestants must cook a three-course meal for local chefs, producers and providores inspired by air in teams of four.

Blue Team: Eliza (C), Arum, Ben, Eloise
Red Team: Nicole (C), Karlie, Michelle, Tamara

Least Impressive Team: Red

Salt Cured Trout with Watercress Veloute (Blue Team)
Crispy Crackling Pork Belly with Prune Jus and Cauliflower Puree (Blue Team)
Cinnamon Ice Cream with Fallen Leaves and Salted Butterscotch (Blue Team)

Ep 41, Wednesday, June 21, 2017: Fire
At Jack’s Magazine on the Maribyrnong River, built in 1878 to provide safe storage for bonded gunpowder and explosives, contestants have 60 minutes to cook a savoury dish inspired by the classical element fire. The two least impressive dishes must then cook off to avoid the elimination challenge.

Round 1: Savoury

Winner: Ben, Arum

Campfire on a Beach (Ben Ungermann)
Beef with Parsnips, Leeks and Potatoes (Arum Nixon)

Round 2: Sweet

Winner: Eliza
Least Impressive Dish: Eloise

Embers (Eliza Wilson)

Ep 42, Thursday, June 22, 2017: Deception Elimination
Contestants have 75 minutes to cook a delicious dish to avoid elimination.
Diana, Sarah, Callan, Sam, Karlie, Michelle, Nicole, Tamara, Eloise

Bottom 3: Sam, Michelle, Nicole
Eliminated: Michelle

Ceci N’est Pas Un Pate (Eloise Praino)

Ep 43, Thursday, June 22, 2017: Heston MasterClass
A very special Heston Blumenthal’s MasterClass at the picturesque Polperro Winery on the Mornington Peninsula.

Scrambled Eggs (Heston Blumenthal)
Poached Eggs (Heston Blumenthal)
Boiled Eggs (Heston Blumenthal)
Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding (Matt Preston)
Ice Cream Bread (Matt Preston)
Blue Eye Cod, Parsley, Bacon and Mussels (Gary Mehigan)
Spit Roast BBQ Lamb (Heston Blumenthal)

Ep 44, Sunday, June 25, 2017: Peter Gilmore’s Challenges
Contestants have an hour to create a dish from the Mystery Box ingredients, with only three dishes to be tasted. The maker of the winning dish will receive an advantage in the invention test.

Peter Gilmore Mystery Box: abalone, organic rice, custard apples, Chinese broccoli, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, spatchcock + 1 ingredient from the garden

Winner: Tamara

Stir Fry Abalone with Broccoli and Horseradish Leaf (Tamara Graffen)
Smoked Abalone with Charred Chinese Broccoli, Toasted Rice and Nasturtiums (Arum Nixon)
Braised Abalone and Bamboo Shoots with Pickled Mushrooms and Broth (Diana Chan)

Invention Test (choice of 3 of Peter Gilmore’s Pressure Test dishes): Snow Egg, Eight-Texture Chocolate Cake, or Cherry Jam Lamington
Tamara’s choice: Cherry Jam Lamington, so they have to re-create the coconut shavings element using liquid nitrogen (recipe supplied) and incorporate it in their dish.

Top 3: Eliza (dish of the day), Eloise, Sarah
Bottom 3: Callan, Arum, Nicole

Strawberry Sorbet with Cucumber Granita and Lime Coconut Jelly (Eliza Wilson)
Nectarines with Lemon Rosemary and Coconut (Eloise Praino)
Scallops with Pickled Chilli and Lime Dressing (Sarah Tiong)

Ep 45, Monday, June 26, 2017:
The contestants have 3 hours & 45 minutes to recreate Paul Carmichael’s bajan fish fry from Momofuku Seiobo. The contestant with the least impressive dish will be eliminated from the competition.
Masterchef Recap: The Led Zeppelin Challenge
Callan, Arum, Nicole

Eliminated: Nicole

Bajan Fish Fry (Paul Carmichael)

Ep 46, Tuesday, June 27, 2017: Trilling Filling Immunity Pin Challenge
The three best performers from the invention test now compete for a chance at immunity. Will our amateur cook have what it takes to out-perform one of Australia’s best chefs?
Eliza, Eloise, Sarah

Round 1: Trilling Filling

Winner: Sarah

Szechuan Chicken Wings with Mushroom and Basil (Sarah Tiong)

Round 2: Guest Chef – Ben Devlin (Paper Daisy)
Sarah’s choice: Prawns and Shrimp Paste (Belacan)

Scores:
Sarah – Gary 9 + George 9 + Matt 9 = 27
Ben – Gary 9 + George 10 + Matt 9 = 28

No pin awarded.

Scorched Prawns with Tomato and Shrimp Paste (Ben Devlin)
Charred Prawns with Broth (Sarah Tiong)

Ep 47, Wednesday, June 28, 2017:
Split into pairs, each team must make two plates of the same dish and they must be identical, but they will not be able to see or taste what their team mate is cooking.
Masterchef Recap: We Don’t Need No Education

Blue: Callan, Eloise
Green: Sarah, Tamara
Purple: Arum, Eliza
Red: Ben, Karlie
Yellow: Diana, Sam

Least Impressive Teams: Yellow and Blue

Pan-Seared Quail with Sauteed Mushrooms and Spring Onion Sauce (Green Team – Tamara Graffen & Sarah Tiong)

Ep 48, Thursday, June 29, 2017:
The bottom four contestants from the team challenge now must cook off and produce a spectacular dish to stay alive in the competition.
Callan, Diana, Eloise, Sam

Eliminated: Sam

Red Emperor on Spicy Fragrant Sambal (Diana Chan)
Ice Cream Sandwich with Basil, Blackberries and Beetroot (Eloise Praino)
Coriander Ice Cream with Crispy Curry Leaves and Spiced Brik Pastry (Callan Smith)

Ep 49, Sunday, July 2, 2017: Japan Week Begins
MasterChef Australia is about to get even bigger as the competition travels to the land of the cherry blossom, Japan. Contestants must explore Tokyo to find ingredients for the mystery box challenge.