A delectable lentil lasagne, cooked by Nhill local, Wendy Bywaters was declared the winning dish by celebrity chef, Tim Bone, at West Wimmera Health Service’s Cooking Competition recently.

With Wimmera-grown green lentils the hero ingredient in the winning dish, complemented by Mount Zero Pink lake salt, olives and olive oil and Relish a Mallee Moment tomato sauce, the region’s quality produce and ingredients were put right in the spotlight.

The winning dish – lentil lasagne, Tim Bone with competitors – Wendy Bywaters and Vanessa Triana, Tim Bone with Peking Duck toastie.
Photos: Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

Fellow competitor, Vanessa Triana also cooked up a storm, creating a Colombian dish which included beef mince, brown lentils, saba banana, and homemade guacamole served with rice.

“The event was a fun-filled family day out, with locals both young and old turning up to cheer on their local cooks, all while celebrating and sharing in delicious food and promoting local produce and ingredients—it was fantastic, there was a real buzz in the air,” competition organiser and Health Promotion Officer, Jake Wiffen said.

Tim Bone’s culinary skills were also put on display, providing attendees with a cooking masterclass and the opportunity to share in some deliciously, mouth-watering treats.

“Tim created a Moroccan lentil and chorizo egg bake served with a baguette, as well as a Peking Duck toastie, which was a massive hit and left everyone’s taste buds in a frenzy,” competition organiser and Health Promotion Officer, Jake Wiffen said. 

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 1 November 2023.