Leandri Joubert Bids Farewell to The Taste Master Junior After Tricky Vegetable Challenge
Talented young chef and baker Leandri Joubert’s journey on The Taste Master Junior came to an emotional end this week, following a tough challenge that tasked contestants with hiding vegetables in dishes kids would love. The 15-year-old Grade 10 learner from Pretoria was unable to secure her place in the next round, but she leaves the competition proud, motivated, and filled with new culinary skills.
A Creative Culinary Test
This week’s episode was all about disguising nutritious veggies in delicious, family-friendly meals – no easy task for any young chef. To inspire and guide the contestants, guest judge, restaurateur and TV personality Yolani Abrahams, held an insightful masterclass. She demonstrated how to prepare a flavourful butternut, burned onion and garlic ravioli accompanied by a rich vegetable sauce.
Leandri’s Ambitious Dish
For the challenge, Leandri presented the judges with a bold and innovative idea:
a butternut waffle topped with savoury mince and a hearty vegetable sauce.
The flavours of the mince and vegetables impressed the judges, but unfortunately, not all the components she envisioned made it onto her final plate. This ultimately contributed to her elimination, despite her creativity and strong ambition.
Leandri Reflects on the Journey
Looking back on the challenge, Leandri shared that she initially felt confident:
“My first reaction was that it was going to be easy because my brother is a picky eater – we’re always sneaking vegetables into food at home!”
Her dish was inspired by a memorable breakfast experience:
“I once had a waffle topped with salty toppings, and it inspired the idea. I loved the mince and the vegetable sauce – it was delicious.”
Like many contestants, leaving the competition was bittersweet:
“I feel sad that my journey had to end that quickly because of a few ingredients that didn’t make it onto my plate, but I’m so proud of myself for even being able to come this far.”
The masterclass with Yolani Abrahams also proved to be invaluable:
“I learned how to make ravioli, which was exciting since I’ve never made pasta before!”
Growth, Friendship, and Future Dreams
Leandri says the most rewarding part of competing was the friendships she formed with young chefs who shared her passion – and of course, the exciting chance to compete for the R200,000 Capitec prize.
When asked which dish best represents her growth, Leandri proudly points to her blue cheese and creamy steak pie:
“The bold flavour and the fact that I executed it well shows how far I’ve come.”
From humble beginnings cooking two-minute noodles to confidently expressing herself through flavour, pasta and baked treats, Leandri has blossomed into a young chef with big dreams. She hopes to study culinary arts and one day open her own café.
Watch The Taste Master Junior
Catch new episodes of The Taste Master Junior Season 2, brought to you by Clover:
- Tuesdays at 7:30pm on SABC2
- Repeats: Wednesdays at 1pm and Sundays at 4pm
For more information, visit the show’s official website and follow The Taste Master SA on social media.
