Gambian born Haddy Duval, 29, is taking part in this year’s edition of MasterChef as the show celebrates its 20th series. She featured on Thursday’s episode on BBC One and iPlayer. Haddy, a mother-of-two, was born and brought up in The Gambia but moved to England five years ago and now lives with her husband and daughters in Bournemouth.

She said she entered the competition to show off her nation’s food.

“I’ve always wanted to show off Gambian cuisine and share our beautiful dishes with the world,” Haddy said.

“I also want to make sure my daughters, who are born and raised in the UK, are able to appreciate our cuisine and celebrate their Gambian heritage.”

Haddy said she was’very proud’ of cooking traditional Gambian dishes, and they remind her of her Mamboi (grandma) cooking.

“I find so much joy in the kitchen and love helping her to cook,” she said.

“When I moved to England five years ago, my new kitchen was very different from what I was used to.

“For the first time ever, I had an oven in the kitchen; I’d never used one before. I wanted to learn what I could make using an oven; my mother-in-law offered to teach me some British recipes, and I also like finding recipes online.

“I always add extra spice to recipes, especially chili.”

She added, “My earliest memories of cooking are helping my grandmother in the kitchen prepare food for her fast-food restaurant. I was in the kitchen from the age of four helping her mix spices, cleaning the onions, garlic, ginger, and things like that.”

Haddy said she started watching MasterChef when she lived in The Gambia and said she was ‘fascinated’ by what people made in the kitchen.

“I’ve always loved the show and wanted to be on it, but I was never brave enough to apply until my husband encouraged me,” Haddy said.

“For me, watching MasterChef is like watching a fairy tale.

“All of the beautiful fresh ingredients, the kitchen equipment, and the cooks creating wonderful recipes – some that even seem impossible.

“I love seeing cooks on MasterChef get good feedback. For me, the best feeling ever is when people love recipes I’ve created.”

Haddy’s dream is to write a cookbook and host a TV show showcasing The Gambia and its food.

Source: BBC