Do you think you're a good cook? Karim Merdjadi points out what local chefs are missing

The 12th season of MasterChef Slovenia is just around the corner, in which the contestants will have to prove once again that a good idea is not enough to succeed in the kitchen. Before the start of the new season, Karim Merdjadi emphasizes the importance of cooking basics, technical knowledge and taste, while admitting that after all these years on the show, he would like to see a contestant who would truly master all areas of cuisine. "We've been through a lot. Maybe I would like to have a contestant who would be truly 100% in all areas, both in desserts and savory dishes. There's always someone who lacks a little something, but there's nothing wrong with that," he says.

Given that a plant-based diet has become very popular in recent years, could a contestant who cooks exclusively vegan food win MasterChef?

"I could win, but I would have to know how to cook some meat. I wouldn't get through on just a vegetable or plant-based diet."

To succeed on MasterChef, Karim believes, it's not enough to just be a good home cook. If you want to cross that line, you need much more. "You need charisma, knowledge and you have to be technically savvy. There's a big difference between a home cook and a professional cook, and we all need to be aware of that."

Lack of technical knowledge or neglect of cooking basics is one of the mistakes he sees from contestants season after season. According to him, some people focus primarily on more demanding dishes and individual challenges before entering MasterChef, while devoting too little time to the basics. "These include dough, sauces, roasting meat, baking temperatures, biscuits and the like. I see a lot of potential here for each contestant. If the contestant prepares well before entering the kitchen, they should have no problems later."

What moves you most about the competitors: technique, taste or personal story?

"As far as I'm concerned, technique and taste are the most important. A personal story can only be an addition. As a judge, I'm most moved when I try something really good."

Although he judges a wide variety of dishes on MasterChef and expects more and more from the contestants, when asked which dish best represents him, he remains true to one of his great loves. "Everyone already knows that I really like breaded food, so it would definitely be something fried, maybe prepared in a different way or seasoned differently. It's something I really love and has been with me throughout my life."

If you had to give the contestants only one piece of advice for surviving MasterChef, what would it be?

"Never give up."

According to him, the new season will once again bring everything that makes viewers love watching the MasterChef kitchen. "We can expect a lot of action, speed in cooking, and certainly some tears, laughter and relaxation."