(L-R) First runner-up Anamika Singh, winner K.N. Nitya and second runner-up Sonia Bhattacharjee

From litti-chokha to dhokla, Butter Chicken to Chettinad Chicken — almost every Indian dish can be cooked in a microwave, and it tastes as great. Eleven amateur chefs from across the country proved it at the grand finale of Mallika-E-Kitchen 2013 cooking contest, hosted by LG Electronics India in New Delhi recently.

The fifth edition of this competition, billed as one of the largest amateur cooking contests in India, was judged by celebrity chef Nita Mehta. The dishes were judged on taste, texture and innovation. K.N. Nitya from Coimbatore won the contest, impressing all with her Chicken Ice-sticks, Chicken Gravy Chettinad-style and Kheer Buttermilk. Anamika Singh from Pune and Sonia Bhattacharjee from Calcutta were first and second runners-up, respectively.

Nitya will represent India at the finale of LG Home Chef Championship cook-off in Cape Town, South Africa, on December 4, where she will compete for the Grand Master Home Chef title.

“I am thrilled at winning this title. Cooking has always been my passion, my first love. I am hoping to make India proud at the international level,” said Nitya.

Judge Nita Mehta was impressed by what was served up to her. “Each participant came up with very good texture, innovative recipes and delicious taste. I enjoyed their creations,” she said.

The competition was conducted in three stages. From more than 3,000 aspirants from across 60 cities, 11 made it to the finale in Delhi, whipping up a main course dish within 90 minutes in an LG Lightwave Charcoal Lighting Heater Microwave Oven.

“We are overwhelmed by the response we have received year after year to make Mallika-E-Kitchen a huge success. This platform has helped us strengthen our business. This contest proves to be an amazing platform to connect with our consumers,” said Rajeev Jain, sales head, home appliances, LG Electronics India.