Ep 17. Pressure Test: Nigella Lawson's Three-Course Meal

In MasterChef Australia season 8 episode 17, the contestants are in for a culinary challenge as they face a pressure test like no other. The legendary chef and food writer Nigella Lawson presents her three-course meal to the contestants. The pressure is on, as the contestants must recreate her stunning dishes while under immense time pressure.

The first course is a succulent roast beef fillet with a mustard and horseradish crust, served with roasted carrots and a decadent red wine sauce. The contestants must ensure that their beef is cooked to perfection and that the sauce has the right balance of flavours. With only 90 minutes on the clock, the pressure is intense as they race against time to complete the task.

Moving onto the second dish, Nigella presents her mouthwatering lemon meringue pie. The contestants must first create the perfect shortcrust pastry base before moving on to the tangy lemon curd and fluffy meringue topping. With only an hour to complete this complex dessert, the contestants must ensure they pay attention to every detail to achieve the perfect result.

Finally, Nigella presents her rich and indulgent chocolate ganache tart. The contestants must create a crisp shortcrust pastry base and fill it with a velvety smooth chocolate ganache. To add an extra element of excitement, Nigella adds a surprise ingredient to the ganache that the contestants must identify to impress the judges.

As the minutes tick away, the contestants battle against the clock with focus and determination. The judges watch closely, tasting and critiquing each dish as they come out of the kitchen. With only one hour to complete each dish, the tension mounts as the contestants complete their respective courses.

Some contestants rise to the challenge, creating stunning dishes that earn praises from the judges. Other contestants struggle with the intense time pressure, making costly errors that could ruin their chances of staying in the competition.

As the final dishes are presented, the judges must make the tough decision of deciding who is safe and who will be eliminated. Only those who can perfectly replicate Nigella's exquisite dishes will stay in the MasterChef kitchen and continue their quest for culinary excellence.

Tune in to MasterChef Australia season 8 episode 17 to watch Nigella Lawson's three-course meal pressure test and witness who will rise to the challenge and who will crack under pressure.