Shelina Permalloo wins BBC's MasterChef
Shelina Permalloo has been named the winner of BBC1's MasterChef - the first female winner since Wahaca's Thomasina Miers took the title in 2005.
Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace described the former charity executive's food as some of the best they had ever tasted, in the final that aired last night.
Permalloo's cooking was heavily influenced by her Mauritian heritage and she said she entered the competition to showcase the cuisine in the UK.
Since winning the TV competition, she has revealed that her ultimate aim is to open her own restaurant.
Commenting on her win, Wallace said: "If ever there was a restaurant that had to happen it is Shelina's because her food is incredible. You can't find it in very many places; you can't really find it outside of Mauritius. She really does put sunshine on a plate."
He said that with investment, "her food will sell".
Torode added: "She is a star. She is a very special cook with an exceptional talent who always wears a smile and cooks with care."
Research analyst Andrew Kojima and plasterer Tom Rennolds lost out in the final.
Shelina Permalloo's winning menu:
Starter Octopus served on marinated fennel with pickled ginger, sliced baby beetroot carrots and concasse tomatoes served with brown shrimp jelly, mango and apple vinegar and tobiko
Main course Mutton curry served with a mustard seed and turmeric marinated bone marrow, Biryani Rice and a Chili Pumpkin Quenelle Swiss Chard Roulade stuffed with Green Banana Pickle.
Dessert Mango cannelloni filled with lime curd, coconut and rum blancmange samosas filled with white chocolate, crème fraîche, and mango jelly squares.
MasterChef: An interview with John Torode and Gregg Walace >>
MasterChef winner Dhruv Baker - A Minute on the Clock >>
Ash Mair wins MasterChef: the Professionals 2011 >>
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
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