To create a nutritious, creative meal you need fancy cookware, counter space and an abundance of time, right?
Wrong, according to George Washington University Chef Rob Donis.
Mr. Donis and the Urban Food Task Force (UFTF) debuted the first in a series of instructional cooking videos for students on Friday that demonstrates how to make healthy meals with little time, money and space.
The release coincides with the university’s annual Food Day celebration and is a part of UFTF’s larger efforts to educate the university community about healthy eating. Mr. Donis also will perform a live cooking demonstration for Ward 7 residents on Saturday at the Pop-Up Produce Market and Health Screening Fair—the final Food Day event.
George Washington Today talked with the chef about the new cooking videos and tips for novices in the kitchen.
Q: Why did UFTF create these videos?
A: The UFTF wanted to assist students who do not have any cooking experience with creating very simple, affordable, healthy meals. The videos were designed to enable students to cook on their own by demonstrating the essential
steps in preparing basic meals. The idea was to give more visual support and guidance for the students to cook well.
Q: What do you hope students learn from the videos?
A: I hope they see the basic steps involved in cooking, not just the recipes. Often people are fearful of starting to learn something they haven't done before, and I think these videos will assist them in getting past the
mystery associated with cooking.
Q: What recipe do you recommend for students who are just beginning to cook?
A: The best recipes to start cooking are breakfast items. I suggest first learning to cook my extremely easy oatmeal recipe—you can substitute any whole grain cereal—and
then try cooking an omelet.
Q: What advice do you have for students who are having trouble finding healthy meals to cook?
A: Healthy meals are only three ingredients and 15 minutes away. Go to your local farmers market, grab an apple, an onion and some cooking greens, then sauté onion slices with unpeeled apple slices and add cooking greens. Cook until soft for a dish that's easy, healthy, and tasty.
Cooking with Chef Rob: Vanilla Oatmeal with Seasonal Fruit and Cinnamon from The George Washington University on Vimeo.