Kishwar serves khichuri, bhorta and fried fish at Masterchef

What could be a more commonplace meal than khichuri, begun bhorta, maach bhaja and niramish? But Kishwar Chowdhury stunned the judges in a recent episode of Masterchef Australia when she served them this platter of khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), begun bhorta (mashed eggplant), maach bhaja (fried fish) and niramish (a mixed vegetable curry).

The eleven remaining contestants on Masterchef Season 13, including Kishwar of Bangladeshi origin, had to face the Mystery Box challenge. They had to excel in this challenge to avoid the feared elimination round in the next episode.

Kishwar used the ingredients she was given to come up with this delightful dish. The judges asked her to explain the items on the platter.

She said, "I've brought you a one pot, one pan dinner for three. I have a smoked eggplant and niramish which is like a Bengali vegetable medley. And then I have khichuri and pan-fried fish. Simple food like this is something that I would cook for my family."

She got a bit emotional about her children and held back the tears as she said, "I haven't cooked for my children in a long time."

The judges then tasted her food. Judge and star chef Jock Zonfrillo said the food really worked well when it all came together. He said, "It works so well because the eggplant is offensively packed with flavour. When you have a little bit of that with the khichuri, it's amazing. When you have a little bit of that with the baked pumpkin, it's delicious. You are an amazing cook. I wish I was one of your kids!"

For judge Melissa Leong, it was the mashed eggplant that did the trick. She loved the pungency of the mustard oil, the spiciness of the red chillies and the smokiness of the eggplant. She said she was obsessed with the mashed eggplant and it was a special dish to her.

Judge Andy Allen said, "For me it was the khichuri. It was just so well done. And the fish was beautifully smothered in that dry rub, a good amount of colour on the skin." He quipped, referring to himself and the other two judges, "I think you now have three new children!"

Kishwar won the immunity pin which means she won't have to compete in the next episode and so won't face the risk of elimination.