Model to MasterChef
After being discovered as a model at the age of 18, Sarah travelled the world working for fashion labels such as Gucci and Seafolly. It was over these years that she discovered her love of different cultures and international cuisine. Returning to Australia to study at the highly-acclaimed culinary arts program, Le Cordon Bleu, Sarah is now a classical trained chef.
Fulfilling the dream
Appearing on the sixth season of MasterChef, where she was pegged as the favourite, Sarah rocketed to fame in both Australia and India after preparing her show-stopping Aloo Gobi, a humble village dish that wowed judges and viewers alike. “I made kind of a fancy version of this really simple dish,” says Sarah. “I didn’t know MasterChef was so big in India. When I later went there, people would stop me on the street and ask, ‘Are you Sarah Todd?!’”
The last five years have been pretty hectic, travelling back and forth between India and Australia. India is amazing — the people are so beautiful. I totally fell in love with the country. But now that I’m established in Melbourne, I’m really looking forward to winding back a little bit.
Fun in the sun
Spending precious time with her eight-year-old son, Phoenix (who sometimes travelled to India with her), is at the top of her list now that she’s located back in Australia, as building a successful career takes compromises, including sometimes being away from him.
Following your dreams takes sacrifice. Let go of the guilt when it comes to spending time away from your family. Just give yourself 100% when you are there. Whatever you do, always be in the moment.
Secret to entertaining
An enthusiastic entertainer who recently gave her alfresco area an overhaul with the Early Settler Reclaimed Teak Cross Leg dining table, Weave dining chairs, Bonnie Wicker sofa and Phoenix concrete coffee table, Sarah’s backyard is looking heavenly and all set to invite friends over.
“I think the key to entertaining is doing all the prep the day before so you can eliminate the stress on the day. I get all the salads and platters prepped ahead of time and have a lamb ready. When people start to arrive, I throw it on the barbecue, open the wine and relax with my friends as it cooks itself.”
I love my new Early Settler furniture. It’s absolutely amazing! I’m definitely going to be making the most of it.
Sarah Todd is pictured with the Reclaimed Teak Cross Leg Table and Weave Dining Chairs and the Bonnie Wicker Sofa.
Marking her mark
A successful entrepreneur with a growing list of accolades under her belt, Sarah has also written The Healthy Model Cookbook and has a free e-book chock full of incredible recipes (which you can sign up for on her site). Her enormous social media following is largely due to her healthy and nutritious focus in her recipes and adventurous spirit.
Sarah Todd’s Chole Chickpea Curry
SERVES 4 (WITH SIDES) | COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS
1 onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
Drizzle of oil
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 teaspoon coriander, ground
½ teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 cans chickpeas
1 can tomatoes
¼ cup yoghurt
Flatbread and/or steamed rice (to serve)
PREPARATION
🌶 Sauté onion, garlic, ginger with a drizzle of oil for 4–5 minutes.
🌶 Add the spices, tomato and chickpeas and cook for 15.
🌶 Season with salt and top with yoghurt.
Serve with flatbread or rice on the side and something fresh, like lemon pickle or cherry tomatoes.
A can of chickpeas and tomatoes can be a low as 80c each from the supermarket. If you have flatbread or rice in the pantry, this dish serves 4.