Episode Details

What do professional chefs do differently — and how can you use those skills at home?

It can feel like a lofty goal, but in this episode, Ham El-Waylly shows us how approachable it really can be. He shares practical, real-life cooking tips and easy, flavor-building techniques that work in any kitchen, no matter how busy or overwhelming daily life feels.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How toasting pasta might change the way you think about spaghetti forever
2. A surprising method for transforming tofu into something everyone at the table will love
3. The inexpensive, often-overlooked tools restaurant chefs rely on that can make a big impact in a home kitchen

Press play to hear our conversation with the insightful and inspiring Ham El-Waylly, and discover new recipes and techniques you’ll want to try out right away!

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Links:

You can find Ham El Waylly on Instagram, and visit his restaurant Strange Delight in Brooklyn!

Check out his new book: Hello Home Cooking! Doable Dishes For Every Day

Some of our favorite recipes by Ham, from NYT Cooking (unlocked):

Kari’s favorite Cauliflower Salad Sandwiches

His very popular Kung Pao Tofu

Corn and Miso Pasta Salad

Brown Butter Bucatini with Charred Cabbage

Recipes we can’t wait to make from Hello Home Cooking:

Toasted Thin Spaghetti with Black Beans and Parm

Eggplant and Tofu Ragu

Tahini roasted swordfish

Date Fudge

Frito Chocolate Ganache Tart

Some of Ham’s favorite kitchen appliances and tools:

Zojurushi Rice cooker

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