It’s episode 38 of MasterChef Australia 2023 and the top six — Cath, Malissa, Brent, Declan, Rhiannon and Theo — were divided into three teams of two.

In their pairings, the cooks had to first pick an ingredient from the beautiful farm that supplies produce to the two-hatted restaurant, O.MY before they were allocated a course to feature the ingredient at the eatery.

Each team then had a 15-minute briefing with chef Blayne Bertoncello followed by two hours to cook their course for 16 diners, plus Judges Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen.

The two teams that cooked the best dishes progressed into Thursday’s Immunity Challenge, cooking for a guaranteed spot in the top five, plus the last Immunity Pin of the season.

The Teams

Grey Team: Cath and Rhiannon

Green Team: Brent and Declan

Brown Team: Theo and Malissa

What they decided to cook

Declan and Brent chose Tomatoes and were allocated dessert while Cath and Rhiannon’s Kaffir Lime got mains and Malissa and Theo picked entree for their Blue Spiced Basil.

First to have their one-on-one time with chef Blayne, Theo and Malissa decided to work on a Raviolo filled with Blue Spice Basil with Ricotta and Herbs and a vegetable broth.

Rhiannon and Cath were up next, telling chef Blayne they wanted to make a Seafood Curry with oil out of the leaves.

Finally, Brent and Declan decided on…”Ummmm”…struggling to think on their feet, Declan came up with a Panna Cotta with Tomato, Basil and Strawberries with a Balsamic Glaze and a Tomato Granita.

The Cook and the Judging

All of the teams struggled with a lot to do, with Declan and Brent deciding to add honey and black garlic to their Panna Cotta. Stressed they couldn’t taste everything all together before service, they had to hope for the best.

As the diners arrived, Malissa and Theo were still making their Raviolo; however, were able to serve a stunning dish.

The presented a Ricotta and Basil Raviolo with Vegetable Broth and Blue Spiced Basil Oil.

Both Jock and Andy “really liked” it and could picture it being on the menu at O.My.

“It’s unbelievable,” Andy said.

Next up were Cath and Rhiannon who were yet to cook their fish. Andy popped into the kitchen to move them along, but they were panicking.

Surprising herself, Rhiannon managed to plate up the dish which was then sent to Andy and Jock. They were presented with Flathead with Seasonal Vegetables, Kaffir Lime Oil and a Curry Broth.

Andy said they’d shown “restraint” and the fish was cooked perfectly and Jock loved the flavours.

Meanwhile, Declan was nervous about de-moulding the Panna Cotta which wasn’t coming out of its shell. He realised too late that he hadn’t sprayed the tray.

Once completed by Brent’s “tiny welder hands”, the Judges were presented with Tomato Honey Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Tomato Granita and a Black Garlic Glaze.

Jock called it “unusual” and “ballsy” and Andy thought it was “interesting… in a great way”. They both agreed it was a “clever” dish and had “hit the brief”.

The Verdict

The dish of the day went to Theo and Malissa’s entree while Declan and Brent, who had the “hardest” task of the day, also wowed the Judges. All four are going to play for the final Immunity Pin and a guaranteed spot in the final five.

MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.

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