The competition was inspired by YouGov research commissioned by the Eden Project, who are behind The Big Lunch, which revealed that almost one in seven of all UK adults (14%) never cook a completely new recipe, with around a quarter of people (24%) admitting that a lack of ideas discourages them from cooking from scratch.
Determined to inspire people to roll up their sleeves, get in the kitchen and cook up a delicious dish to share, organisers at The Big Lunch were delighted to receive recipe entries from all four corners of the UK, from Penrith to Prestatyn and Belfast to Bristol. Entries were sifted and judged by chefs and recipe developers from the Eden Project, Greene King and Co-op, who considered factors including shareability, value for money and creativity, as well as the stories behind the recipes entered.
The inspiration behind Yohannah’s award-winning dish comes from one of Mauritius’ beloved street food classics, Gateaux Piment. These golden, crispy chilli bites were a weekend favourite in her family, lovingly cooked by her parents and always served fresh, often tucked into a warm baguette. Their comforting aroma and vibrant flavour brought everyone together, a familiar heart-warming reminder of time spent in her Grandmere’s kitchen in Mauritius. Crispy on the outside and soft and spiced within, Gateaux Piment are easy to make and designed to pair well with fresh and zesty chutneys, as well as great conversation!
Yohannah said: “I’m absolutely delighted that my Gateaux Piment recipe has been shortlisted. It’s incredibly special to have something so personal and meaningful recognised. I chose this dish because it reminds me of family gatherings, sitting around the table, hands reaching in, laughter filling the room. It’s food that sparks conversation and connection, and that's what The Big Lunch is all about; creating spaces where we can all come together.”
After beating off competition from other keen home cooks, Yohannah is set to have her prizewinning recipe featured in a special Big Lunch online cookbook and will receive a gift voucher to spend on a Big Lunch buffet. She will also receive a hamper full of Big Lunch goodies and is joining four other finalists at an exclusive Big Lunch event in London this June, complete with special guests. Yohannah is one of ten finalists from around the country to be commended, with other prizewinning dishes ranging from a strawberry and vanilla cheesecake to butternut squash empanadas and Irish apple chutney.
With less than two weeks to go until The Big Lunch on 7 and 8 June, organisers are hoping this tastebud-tickling recipe selection will inspire people to cook up something new to share with their neighbours at a street party, picnic or get-together as part of the annual initiative. The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible with support from the Pears Foundation and partners Co-op and Greene King. It’s the UK’s annual celebration for neighbours and the biggest community-led fundraiser, bringing millions of people together in a nationwide act of friendship in June every year since 2009. Her Majesty The Queen has been patron since 2013.
Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director at the Eden Project who are behind The Big Lunch, said: “We were blown away by the quality of the recipes we received from passionate home cooks around the country and are thrilled with our top ten dishes, showcasing community sharing at its best. You can’t have a Big Lunch without a bite to eat - food connects people, starts conversations and brings us all together. It’s something we all have in common and that’s why The Big Lunch works so well – it’s about making those vital social connections while tucking into something delicious. So why not pick a recipe that tickles your fancy and share it with your community at The Big Lunch on 7 and 8 June?”
To find out more and view the Big Lunch cookbook go to www.thebiglunch.com