Jock Zonfrillo’s shock death at the age of 46 was announced by his family on Monday.
And now the MasterChef star’s signature dish has been revealed – that won over the hearts of even the most dedicated takeaway fans.
In March, the Scottish-born chef thrilled fans when he made ‘the world’s best jaffle’ using naan bread and leftover butter chicken from Indian takeaway.
At the time, Zonfrillo created the new family-favourite dish using only three ingredients.
Giving the meal a solid ‘9 out of 10’ after demolishing it, Zonfrillo left thousands wanting to try the simple dish after posting a video of his process.
Jock Zonfrillo’s shock death at the age of 46 was announced by his family on Monday. And now the MasterChef star’s signature dish has been revealed – that won over the hearts of even the most dedicated takeaway fans
He began by gathering all of his ingredients together: naan, butter chicken, butter, mozzarella, and a slice of white bread (for size).
Zonfrillo first placed the slice of white bread onto the naan and cut out two squares to mimic square bread.
He then generously buttered one side of both naan slices to ensure that they toasted well.
In March, the Scottish-born chef thrilled fans when he made ‘the world’s best jaffle’ using naan bread and leftover butter chicken from Indian takeaway
Next, the celebrity chef started chopping his butter chicken into smaller pieces that could fit into the toastie.
Zonfrillo also sliced a few chunks of mozzarella to add to his jaffle.
The MasterChef judge assembled the closed sandwich by placing a piece of naan butter-side up into the jaffle maker, adding the chunks of butter chicken and mozzarella, and topping it off with another piece of naan.
Giving the meal a solid ‘9 out of 10’ after demolishing it, Zonfrillo left thousands wanting to try the simple dish after posting a video of his process
He took a bite of the delectable dish and smiled at his delicious creation.
Thousands were impressed by Zonfrillo’s unconventional use of leftovers and swore to attempt the dish themselves.
‘Boy, oh boy, does this man know how to cook,’ one commenter wrote in awe.
‘This is genius – I’ve never wanted a jaffle maker this bad!’
‘Curry toasties are delicious, it also goes really well in a wrap.’
Jock’s shock death was announced in a family statement on Instagram on Monday and underneath a number of celebrities expressed their condolences.
Jock’s shock death was announced in a family statement on Instagram on Monday and underneath a number of celebrities expressed their condolences
Former MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow wrote: ‘Sending the biggest hugs to all of you. Speechless.’
Colin Fassnidge added underneath: ‘Such a shock! Love to his family. Sleep well my friend. I’m floored.’
Actress Rebecca Gibney commented: ‘No words. Utterly heartbroken for you.’
Model and Andy Lee’s girlfriend Rebecca Harding added: ‘I’m so sorry. What a beautiful, fun loving man. Sending all my love to Loz, Ava and the rest of the Zonfrillo family. You’ll be missed mate.’
His death comes as MasterChef’s fifteenth season, featuring Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was due to premiere on Ten on Monday night.
Former MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow wrote: ‘Sending the biggest hugs to all of you. Speechless’
The show will not be airing this week in light of Zonfrillo’s passing.
A report will be prepared for the coroner after Zonfrillo’s body was found at about 2am on Monday.
‘With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,’ his family said in a statement on Monday.
‘So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words.
‘For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky.’
They continued: ‘We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this, and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.’
His death comes as MasterChef’s fifteenth season, featuring Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was due to premiere on Ten on Monday night. The show will not be airing this week in light of Zonfrillo’s passing
The Scottish-Australian chef and restaurateur became a host of the popular Channel 10 cooking show in 2019 alongside Andy Allen and Melissa Leong.
Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla, with Fried.
Zonfrillo, who started his career working under Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White in the UK, famously overcame an addiction to heroin during his teenage years in Glasgow before becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs.
He once said he owed his life to food, telling an interviewer: ‘It saved my life. A lot of my friends from my early days are dead now or in jail.
‘The thing about being a junkie is that the only way you can get out is if there’s something in your life more compelling than drugs. And for me, I had another addiction: to food and to cooking. That’s what moved me on. That’s how I survived.’
Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla, with Fried
