The rising star of plant-cooking on her journey from macrobiotics to MasterChef fame

Teresa Horta Colaço is a rising star of plant-based cooking after ‘an incredible journey’ to take the title of TV MasterChef Portugal.

Born in the Algarve,  she became curious about food watching her mother stir, simmer, peel and sauté from a little wooden stool in their sunny kitchen.

“I have always been curious,”  she says.

Colaço, 32, and has a degree in speech therapy, presented a plant-based menu for the season’s finale of MasterChef Portugal.

She showcased the versatility and beauty of plants over more traditional foods – with plenty of style and her signature umami.

Colaço, who has two children and lives in Lisbon, learnt traditional cooking from her mum. But it was her aunt who unveiled the power of plants in macrobiotic cooking.

What an introduction. Geninha Horta Varatojo is a respected macrobiotic teacher in Portugal and Spain. She is also the author of several cookbooks and articles.

In 1985, alongside her husband, she founded Institute of Macrobiotics in Portugal (IMP). This is where Colaço found her roots in veggie cooking.

She has also said that a macrobiotic diet helped her overcome longstanding health issues.

When cooking Colaço stunned judges with her tenacity and innovative methods.

I needed to “focus a lot, study a lot, and be attentive to every detail,” she said. Her grit and determination paid off as she walked away with the title MasterChef Portugal at the end of February 2022.

Her focus now is to develop plant cooking in Portugal.

What is a macrobiotic diet?

Developed by a Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa who believed in a holistic approach to wellbeing. It incorporates diet, exercise, meditation, and yin/yang food pairing.

Macrobiotics encourages organic, seasonal produce. Food intake consists of 40-60% wholegrains, 20-30% fruit and veg. Some 10-25% beans and products like tofu, miso, tempeh and some seaweed.

Pickles, fermented foods, nuts and seeds are also part of this healthy lifestyle.

Other recommendations include : only eat when hungry, chew thoroughly. Cook and store food in natural containers like wood, glass or china. Avoid microwaves and electric hobs. Purify all water. Caffeine and alcohol are best avoided.

Article written by Julia M. Thompson- United Kingdom