
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: How toasting pasta might change the way you think about spaghetti forever A surprising method for transforming tofu into something everyone at the table will love 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! *** For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid! *** Links: You can find Ham El Waylly on Instagram, and visit his restaurant Strange Delight in Brooklyn! 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 Fish Spatula The Kunz Spoon *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!