Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know: How to Cook an Egg and/or Save The World with Chef Jose Andres

Host: 186k Films
Guest: Chef Jose Andres
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Duration: Approximately 54 minutes

1. Introduction to Chef Jose Andres

The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange between Hasan Minhaj and Chef Jose Andres, highlighting Andres' expressive communication style.

Chef Jose Andres [00:02]: "Lemonade."

Host [00:05]: "I gotta give you respect to a fellow hand talker. You use your hands a lot to talk."

This sets the tone for an engaging conversation that blends humor with deep insights into Andres' dual roles as a renowned chef and a dedicated humanitarian.

2. Balancing Humanitarian Work and Fine Dining

Hasan delves into the contrasting facets of Andres' life—his role in World Central Kitchen and his achievements in the culinary world.

Host [01:00]: "Chef Jose Andres is two amazing people combined. One is a humanitarian who co-founded World Central Kitchen and fed millions around the world. The other is a world-famous chef with two Michelin stars who spearheaded the small plate movement."

Andres discusses how he reconciles these two demanding roles, emphasizing the importance of both treating food as a luxury and a necessity.

3. The Great Egg Debate: Cooking Techniques Unveiled

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Hasan's humorous yet earnest struggle with cooking eggs, leading to an entertaining yet informative discussion about culinary techniques.

Host [02:00]: "Chef Jose Andres, please explain to me, how do you cook an egg?"

Chef Jose Andres [02:11]: "Oh my God. This is very controversial. You have to be more narrow in your questions."

Andres shares his expertise on perfecting egg dishes, contrasting them with common pitfalls that lead to burnt or poorly cooked eggs. He offers practical advice, such as using the microwave for a foolproof method:

Chef Jose Andres [04:28]: "You're going to get an in-between custard omelette scrambled eggs, which is going to be without a doubt the best eggs in the history of your life."

This segment not only entertains but also provides valuable culinary tips for listeners.

4. Food Insecurity in America and Global Perspectives

Transitioning from eggs to broader social issues, Hasan and Andres discuss food inequity both domestically and internationally.

Host [17:09]: "Does it make you sad to see food inequity here in America, which is literally one of the richest countries in the world?"

Chef Jose Andres [17:26]: "I think inequality, when it's solvable, that's the sad part. Hunger is a problem that can be solved with commitment, with investment."

Andres emphasizes that food insecurity in affluent nations like the U.S. stems from policy choices, advocating for strategic government investment to eliminate hunger.

5. The Challenges of Philanthropy and Sustainable Aid

The conversation delves into the efficacy of traditional philanthropy versus strategic investment in sustainable solutions.

Host [28:54]: "What have you seen that could be done better?"

Chef Jose Andres [32:14]: "America, the way we give aid is because we produce a lot of food. But then 15 years later, we have people trying to come to America because we inadvertently harmed their local economies."

Andres critiques the short-term nature of food aid, suggesting that long-term solutions like expertise transfer and sustainable agricultural support are more effective.

6. Personal Influences and Motivations

Exploring his personal journey, Andres shares how his upbringing and family influenced his humanitarian ethos.

Host [36:23]: "Are you a religious person?"

Chef Jose Andres [36:27]: "I'm a Catholic boy... I celebrate traditions from all religions because I have friends from all those religions."

He attributes his commitment to helping others to witnessing his parents’ dedication as nurses and his early experiences at hospitals, fostering a deep-seated desire to serve.

7. The Impact of War on Food and Humanitarian Efforts

Andres discusses the grim reality of food being used as a weapon in conflicts, highlighting the critical role of organizations like World Central Kitchen.

Host [44:49]: "As a chef and a humanitarian, what has it been like seeing food being used as a weapon in war?"

Chef Jose Andres [45:02]: "Hunger Games. When Russia did the blockade of food in the Black Sea, it was a way of using food as a weapon."

He passionately argues that ensuring access to food is essential for peace and that food should be a unifying force rather than a tool of destruction.

8. Light-Hearted Moments and Future Projects

Wrapping up the episode, Hasan and Andres share humorous anecdotes about Andres' ventures into television and his imaginative ideas for future culinary endeavors.

Host [47:02]: "Now let me ask you... have you seen 'The Bear'?"

Chef Jose Andres [50:03]: "Cooking has been... a very difficult profession. But restaurants are beautiful... feeding local hospitals, local homeless shelters."

Andres expresses enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including a new cooking competition show, blending his passion for culinary arts with his television presence.

Chef Jose Andres [52:22]: "The next place I want to cook, I would love to cook in the space station."

This whimsical idea underscores his innovative spirit and desire to push culinary boundaries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chef Jose Andres [07:36]: "In the worst moments of humanity, the best of humanity shows up."

• Chef Jose Andres [19:27]: "The issue is that when our governments have these types of policies, it shows that the government is investing in their people."

• Chef Jose Andres [27:27]: "I had a fast food restaurant called Beef Steak... I condemn Beef Steak. The food was amazing, but the name was misleading."

• Chef Jose Andres [31:22]: "If one day they will give me or they will give you somebody a blank check to say end poverty and hunger in the world, sure we will know how to do it."

• Chef Jose Andres [37:18]: "I think is what got in me. Okay, we can all help."

• Chef Jose Andres [44:49]: "Nobody should ever go hungry."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Hasan Minhaj and Chef Jose Andres navigate the intricate balance between culinary excellence and humanitarian commitment. Andres provides a candid look into his efforts to combat food insecurity globally while maintaining a successful restaurant empire. The conversation underscores the importance of sustainable aid, government investment in social issues, and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of influence. Through humor and heartfelt dialogue, the episode offers listeners both practical cooking advice and profound reflections on using one's skills and resources to make a meaningful impact on the world.