Watermelon Slab by Chef Joseph Macharia Kimani, H&S Chef Of The Month

H&S Chef Of The Month

Chef Joseph Macharia Kimani

Nationality: Kenyan

Interview With H&S Magazine

Who Is Joseph Macharia Kimani?

I am a proud Kenyan chef who has a passion for food and a determination to learn more as well as teach more, all things related to culinary.

 

Type Of Cuisine?

My style of cooking is based around more of French cuisine, along with the influence of traditional Kenyan ingredients and techniques on my dishes.

 

What Inspired You To Become A Chef?

I always loved cooking since childhood. I helped my mother most of the time, after school to prepare meals, and since I am her only child, I had to learn how to do things around the house. I would find myself with her in the kitchen and I guess while we were cooking and chatting, I picked ideas on how to cook local foods and I got the passion from her.

 

What Is The Biggest Challenge You Have Faced In The Culinary Industry?

I think my biggest challenge was during the Covid-19 pandemic period, I as a chef I am always on my feet either cooking or running the kitchen but when the pandemic happened, we all had to stay at home. I hated it and I lost my mind during that period, but what was harder is that we had to slash down a team that I call family. As much as we had to let go of some staff, the bond we had together made me feel like I have lost a family member. I still talk with some, but I really miss having them close to me.

 

What’s Your Biggest Achievement In The Culinary Industry?

I am always happy when I go for chef competitions and get to represent myself and my country. I have competed in several of them, IFEX salon chefs competition in Belfast, Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, the heritage cuisine Master Chef in Amritsar, India and many more…

 

When It comes To Cooking What Is More Important To You The Technique, The Ingredients Or The Creativity?

I would say creativity and proper ingredients makes a great chef, technique you pick up as you keep cooking.

 

Recipe Of The Week: Watermelon Slab

With Prawn & Avocado In A Mango Mint Dressing

Ingredients

• 450g raw shell-on king prawns
• 2 little gem lettuce or 1 head cos
• 1 each red and white chicory
• 2 ripe avocados
• Cayenne pepper, to sprinkle
• Lemon wedges, to garnish
• Watermelon

Mango & Mint Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 large free-range egg yolk
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 100ml mild olive or vegetable oil
• 150ml fresh mango juice
• 20 grams fresh chopped spear mint
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• A mean shake of Tabasco sauce
• ½ Tbsp vermouth

 

Preparation

Bring a pan of salty water to the boil & cook the prawns until pink. Drain on kitchen paper, then cool in the fridge. Meanwhile, whizz the egg yolk with the mustard and lemon juice in a food processor, then add the oil in a steady stream. The mango mint sauce is ready when the blades leave a trail in the mixture. Fold in the other flavourings by hand, and adjust to taste.

 

Dressing The Plate

Cut the watermelon into a slab like shape, scoop the water melon and place the prawn mixture in. It’s ready to serve.