The minimalist chef - Did Daddy Do a Good Job?™

In my career, I have traveled to and/or worked in over 45 countries. Each visit created memories on the amazing cultures and capabilities of humanity. No matter where I have been I would always find good people and amazing food.

I have been a foodie from a young age. While my colleagues were searching out the familiar local fast food chain (i.e. Burger King / McDonald's equivalent), I sought out the local traditions and food cuisine. As a result, I had the most memorable and unique experiences. I can still smell, visualize, and taste some of the unique and amazing cuisines. As a result, I seek to create that same experience at home. I used to be a big spices guy... the more the better. After spending time in a small village in Argentina near the border of Chile where all the chefs used salt and maybe pepper for all their meats... when the taste of the meat came from the type of wood which was used for the grill... I took on a new style of cooking. It was all about the quality of and right balance of ingredients. With quality ingredients, all you need is coarse (ideally flakey) salt, coarse pepper, and organic (w/ exp date) olive oil. Thus, the minimalist chef was born.

After each meal I ask my kids - Did Daddy Do a Good Job?™ Sometimes I just say Triple D-A-GJ? The eye rolling would usually ensue followed by a resounding yes! Now, whether or not you are traveled, an experienced chef, someone who doesn't like following directions (like me), these recipes are for you! Trust that as you start to personally experience what culinary artistry means, you start to see life reflected in what you create. For me, I feel joy from the moment I see happiness in the eyes of those I serve. I no longer have interest into going to restaurants because I know I can create higher quality, better tasting food at home for a fraction of the price. Now you can too.

In life you may experience people who are salty, dull, sour, sweet, bitter, intoxicating, refreshing, etc. Your health is a result of the balance and moderation of the different foods you choose in your environment, which is the same for life. I sometimes need to be around a bitter person to realize my blessings and how sweet and precious my life is. Similarly, I sometimes need to be around a sweet person to lift me up from my own personal bitterness. The diversity of experiences and environment is what enables growth and balance. This truth applies for businesses, sports teams, innovations, and families. The key is how to create harmony from the diversity. As long as there is balance and harmony with diverse and clean ingredients, the experience will almost always result in better health and enjoyment.

Below are some of what can be created with simple and clean (i.e. organic) ingredients. To cook, I generally apply a 5mins per side rule with med-high (400 deg F+) temperatures. I marinate the lamb and chicken with organic fresh squeezed lemon juice and organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) over night. The ribs require about 3-6 hours to smoke with all the charcoal positioned on the opposite side of the meat (no direct fire) in a Weber grill.

The Perfect Steak (organic, 100% grass fed), fresh cut rosemary, EVOO, salt, pepper

The Perfect Chicken (organic, local), fresh squeezed lemon, EVOO, salt, paprika, pepper

The Perfect Lamb Chops (organic, 100% grass fed), fresh squeezed lemon, rosemary, salt, pepper

The Perfect Ribs (organic, local), lump wood (oak and apple) charcoal, EVOO, salt, pepper

I hope you will try some of these simple meat recipes. I will share in a future blog the vegetables, salads, fish, soup, and pasta that can be created with simple and clean ingredients. I look forward to cooking for you one day!

© Nuri Dimler 2024