Teju Patel

How long have you been cooking?

I have been cooking for the past 20 years. My dishes started out simple and are growing more complex, they are representative of my American upbringing and Indian cultural roots. I also like to experiment with fusion meals and recreate cuisine I have tried on my travels. On a daily basis, cooking is a great way to decompress from the day and spend time with loved ones.

What is your signature dish?

I elevate my vegetarian meals by creating recipes with great flavors. My signature dish is: Vegetarian Pulled “Pork” Sliders. Jackfruit is a great substitute for pork because it absorbs flavors like honey, dijon mustard, and chipotle seasoning. A terrific no meat option that tastes great and does not take hours to marinade. Pair it was some crisp slaw on a nice Hawaiian roll - it becomes a fabulous meal.

What will you do with the $50,000?

With the prize money I would like to do the following: help grow my blog, donate a portion to charity (Feeding America), and put money into a savings account towards my dream kitchen.