Natasha Gandhi: MasterChef Fame, Millet Magic, and a Festive Hack That’ll Steal Your Heart!

There’s something magical about cooking, it’s an art, a therapy, and sometimes even a love language. It’s the joy of turning simple ingredients into magic, a feeling Chef Natasha Gandhi knows all too well. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the tantalising aroma of spices, and the joy of creating something delightful with your hands, it’s a form of therapy that feeds both the soul and the stomach. And when it comes to therapeutic cooking with a twist of fun and flair, Chef Natasha Gandhi is in a league of her own. This festive season, she’s captured our attention with a creation that’s not just about taste but also a delightful hack—a Chilean cherry-infused Yule Log. With its festive charm and effortless simplicity, it’s a must-try. But before we dive into this delightful recipe, let’s uncover the journey of the chef behind it.

From Spatulas to Spreadsheets (and Back Again)

Natasha Gandhi’s story begins in the bustling kitchen of a Punjabi household, where every meal is a celebration and every dessert a necessity. Growing up in a family that loved food as much as they loved academia, Natasha’s early experiments in cooking were inspired by culinary legends like Nigella Lawson. Even as a child, she was baking cakes in steel bowls inside pressure cookers, proving that passion often finds a way around limitations.

But life had other plans. Pursuing Chartered Accountancy seemed like the logical next step, but Natasha soon realised her true calling wasn’t in numbers but in kneading dough. In 2018, she swapped ledgers for ladles, giving herself one final chance to prove to her family that her dreams of healthy desserts weren’t just pie in the sky. That leap of faith led her to participate in MasterChef India, where she emerged as a top-five finalist and left a lasting impression on the nation. As fate would have it, Natasha’s culinary journey also led her to meet Vinayak Grover, a renowned food photographer. Their wedding, filled with candid moments and joy, had fans swooning over their love and, of course, the captivating photographs.

A Journey Through Sweet Success

In 2018, she founded House of Millets, a venture dedicated to making healthy, delicious, and affordable desserts using superfoods like millets. While most of us were still baking unhealthy desserts, Natasha took a leap towards healthier alternatives. Think of it as the superhero of desserts, transforming cakes and cookies into wholesome goodness without sacrificing flavour.

But how did this all start? Natasha realised that her love for dessert had to evolve. Coming from a family that loves their sweets (because, you know, Punjabi), Natasha wanted to ensure the sweets were good for her health and everyone else’s too. That’s when she stumbled upon millets, a healthier, sustainable alternative.

With endless experimentation (and a little help from her family, aka guinea pigs), Natasha created House of Millets, offering gluten-free, vegan, and nutritious desserts. Today, her treats are not just delicious, they’re guilt-free and affordable too.

The Cherry on Top

And now, for the pièce de résistance—Natasha’s festive Cherry Yule Log. A dessert so simple yet sophisticated, it’s guaranteed to wow your holiday guests. This no-fuss Christmas hack had her sasu maa cheering for her! ✨

With juicy Chilean cherries that are low-calorie and packed with vitamin C and a few smart tricks, this plum cake-inspired delight is ready in minutes. The combination of rich chocolate, tangy cherry compote, and festive garnishes makes it a showstopper. Natasha’s innovative use of ingredients proves yet again why she’s a culinary force to reckon with.

Ingredients

For Cherry Compote:

• 500g Chilean cherries (deseeded) 🍒
• 200g sugar 🧂

For Yule Log Base:

• 1kg chocolate sponge cake 🍫
• 200ml rum 🥃
• 2 tbsp cherry compote (prepared earlier) 🍒

For Garnish:

• 200g molten milk chocolate 🍫
• Milk chocolate block (for shavings) 🍫
• Fresh Chilean cherries (for topping) 🍒
• Bunch of rosemary 🌿
• Icing sugar (for dusting) ❄️

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Compote:
   • In a saucepan, combine 500g deseeded Chilean cherries 🍒 and 200g sugar 🧂.
   • Cook over medium heat until the cherries become soft and mushy. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Yule Log Base:
   • In a bowl, crush 1kg of chocolate sponge cake 🍫.
   • Add 200ml rum 🥃 and 2 tbsp of the prepared cherry compote 🍒. Mix well to form a uniform mixture.
3. Assemble the Yule Log:
   • Spread the cake mixture evenly on a tray.
   • Add whipping cream as needed and spread it evenly over the base. 🥛
   • Place dollops of the prepared cherry compote 🍒 on top and spread lightly.
   • Roll the mixture into a log shape and refrigerate until firm. ❄️
4. Garnish:
   • Once chilled, pour 200g of molten milk chocolate 🍫 over the log and spread evenly.
   • Use a peeler to shave a block of milk chocolate 🍫 and top the log with the shavings.
   • Garnish with fresh Chilean cherries 🍒, a bunch of rosemary 🌿, and a dusting of icing sugar ❄️.

Voilà! Your festive Cherry Yule Log is ready to dazzle!

*As posted by Natasha Gandhi (@natashaagandhi)

The Chef Who Makes It All Possible

Natasha Gandhi isn’t just cooking; she’s leading a culinary revolution. With over a million Instagram followers, a thriving YouTube community, and a spot in Forbes’ Top 100 Digital Stars, she’s completely changing the game. From her iconic run on MasterChef India to creating viral recipes, captivating content, and groundbreaking collaborations, Natasha is reshaping the way we experience food. 

Her workshops draw crowds, her content is addictive, and her brand partnerships are nothing short of legendary. Natasha isn’t just a chef, she’s a content powerhouse, blending innovation, fun, and flavour in ways no one saw coming. She’s the future of food, and you’re gonna want to be part of it.

Also, Get More Christmas Recipes HERE!