I am lucky to have grown up with a mother who is a fantastic Indian cook. She does not make dishes from recipes; she goes by taste. This makes for a very complicated way to learn the cuisine. The delicate spice combinations typical of Indian cuisine can either meld into a flavorful plate or a hot mess—a heavy hand on any spice can easily throw off the entire dish. I'm hoping this season of The Next Food Network Star will make it easier for home cooks, including me, to feel confident making Indian recipes.

While I was watching the NFNS premiere on Sunday night, I immediately liked Aarti Sequeira. I think it was very clever of her to make a golden traditional lentil dal with a twist of fresh lime as the soup course. She also spiced up chicken breast with cardamom and turmeric. I can't wait to see how she is going to modernize Indian cuisine and integrate it into American classics this season! Will she make Tandoori Chicken with a side of curried mashed potatoes and will she have the confidence in herself to sell it? Tune in to see if she can bring Indian food into your home!