Raagasri, a passionate food enthusiast, never imagined she would try her luck on MasterChef. Her journey began with a lifelong love for food, exploring different flavors, and experimenting with various recipes. With a penchant for fusion cuisine, Raagasri started sharing her culinary creations on Instagram, focusing on healthy eating. During a visit to a friend’s place, she prepared air-fried samosas with meethi mint chole, which led to encouragement from her peers to pursue MasterChef.
Despite initial hesitations and considering herself just a flavor-loving foodie, Raagasri’s sister had unwavering faith in her potential. Determined to honor her sister’s belief, she auditioned for the show, unsure if she would make it past the first round. With zero expectations but a commitment to give her best, Raagasri’s trust in the process and her love for food propelled her to new heights on MasterChef.
MasterChef RaagaSri journey Started
I never imagined I would try my luck on MasterChef. It all began with my passion for food; I’ve been a foodie all my life! Exploring different flavours at every corner and trying various recipes, I have always loved the fusion of cuisines. My love for a plate full of delicious food led me to post my culinary creations on Instagram.
I practice healthy eating, and during a visit to a friend, I prepared samosas in an air fryer with meethi mint chole. That’s when I was encouraged to pursue MasterChef, and the team actually contacted me.
Though I was hesitant, considering myself just a food enthusiast who enjoys flavours, my sister had complete faith in me and believed I could make it big! I auditioned to prove to her that I value her words, even though deep down, I wasn’t sure if I could pass the first round.
Despite having zero expectations, I focused on not giving up and giving my best in every opportunity. I must say, the trust in the process and my love for food propelled me to great heights.
How do you think food shapes or reflects cultural identity? Can you give examples of foods that have migrated across cultures and how they have transformed?
Food plays a significant role in shaping and reflecting cultural identity. For example, dishes like pizza, which originated in Italy, have migrated across cultures and transformed into variations like the American-style pizza or Japanese okonomiyaki. These adaptations reflect the local tastes and ingredients while still retaining elements of the original dish. For example, we have chicken tikka pizza or butter chicken pizza being prepared quite commonly at several places in the country.
What are the most pressing ethical concerns related to food production today? How can consumers influence sustainable practices in agriculture?
Some pressing ethical concerns related to food production today include issues such as food waste, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, fair labor practices, and animal welfare. Consumers can influence sustainable practices in agriculture by choosing to support companies that prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices, advocating for transparency in the food industry, and reducing personal food waste.
How has our understanding of nutrition evolved over the past decade, and what misconceptions still persist about healthy eating?
Our understanding of nutrition has evolved over the past decade to focus more on the quality of food rather than just calorie counting. Misconceptions that still persist about healthy eating include the demonization of certain food groups, such as fats or carbohydrates, instead of focusing on balanced and varied diets.
Few belief to completely eliminate carbs and follow ketosis, while few believe to completely eliminate thinking fat makes one put on weight. While in reality, it’s very important to balance the nutrition while still enjoying everything considering portion control and healthy flexible lifestyle.
How do international trade policies affect local food markets and economies? Can you discuss the impact of tariffs and trade agreements on food sovereignty?
International trade policies can impact local food markets and economies by influencing the availability and pricing of food products. Tariffs and trade agreements can affect food sovereignty by limiting a country’s ability to control its food production and distribution, potentially leading to dependency on imported goods. If the production of certain goods are low in another country while the demand for the product is still high, the price of the product rises high making it no so economical for people.
How has the history of the Telugu regions influenced the development of its distinct culinary traditions? Can you trace any dishes back to specific historical or cultural events?
The history of the Telugu regions has greatly influenced the development of its distinct culinary traditions. Dishes like Pesarattu or Gongura Pachadi can be traced back to specific historical and cultural events, showcasing the rich heritage of the Telugu cuisine. Now we can see all over the internet where people are going crazy about the lentil wraps made with greengram which we is our “pesarattu”
How has Telugu cuisine adapted to the tastes and dietary restrictions of the modern era? Are there any traditional dishes that have evolved significantly?
Telugu cuisine has adapted to the tastes and dietary restrictions of the modern era by incorporating healthier cooking methods and ingredients. Some traditional dishes have evolved significantly to cater to changing preferences while still retaining their authentic flavors.
Vankaya pulusu being the most authentic dish that absorbs more oil to cook, the process has took a turn ,it’s seen that the vegetables are mostly steamed and prepared using the authentic masalas making it interesting while not compromising over the flavors
As Telugu communities have spread globally, how has Telugu cuisine been received and adapted abroad? What challenges do restaurateurs face when introducing Telugu dishes to foreign palates?
As Telugu communities have spread globally, Telugu cuisine has been received and adapted abroad with varying degrees of success. Restaurateurs face challenges when introducing Telugu dishes to foreign palates due to differences in taste preferences, availability of ingredients, and cultural perceptions of food.
But telugu cuisines have been praised for their spice and flavorful combinations. We often see dosa, chutney and sambar being available along with the Most Famous Hyderabadi Biryani in many parts of the world! questions or share your thoughts.
Your Favorite cusine which you always want to cook and eat?
My favoruite cuisine that I always enjoy cooking has to be chicken curry made with my mom’s special chilli powder, along with Mudhapappu Pachi Pulusu. There’s a story behind this dish; Pachipulusu was taught to me by my dad when I was 7 years old, and I have been the one preparing it for almost 18 years in my house. This dish has been the menu for Saturdays in my house for almost 25 years. Being the most hyped dish in my house, I had to prepare it for my auditions, and you know the rest of the story!
Your inspiration quote?
The quote that resonates with me the most is, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”This mindset helps me navigate challenges and work towards my goals with determination and confidence. I always keep visualizing my highest self, and whenever I encounter obstacles or face challenges while learning or striving for something, I make sure to tackle them with ease and strength. It’s all about believing in myself and preparing to become the best version of me. There’s no compromise until I become that version.
