Hunger Challenge Recipe of the Day: Philip Mihalski’s Oatmeal

Philip Mihalski, owner and head chef of Nell's Restaurant

Philip Mihalski, owner and head chef of Nell’s Restaurant in Seattle, is taking the hunger challenge!  He to wrote us,  sharing his thoughts and some of his inexpensive recipes.   Here’s what he had to say:

I had oatmeal Monday morning and Tuesday, I had two poached eggs on some toast.  For the next three mornings I will switch back and forth between these two breakfasts.

During the day I usually do not eat too much.  Yogurt, cottage cheese or a little bread are some things I have snacked on during the day.  Fruit or some raw vegetables are other economical and healthy foods to eat with a meal or between meals.  Bananas and carrots are both items I like and are great for a budget.  One of the best things is to buy what is on special at the grocery produce section.  It’s usually what is in season and often represents the best value.  Containers of yogurt which often cost only 50 cents work as a snack or a dessert.

Monday for dinner I had a small pork loin that I seared on the stove top.  I cooked some rice and broccoli.  The left over rice is in my refrigerator and will be easily heated in the microwave if I get hungry.  Wednesday when I have the day off I will cook a pasta recipe.  My daughter loves pasta and will be happy with that dinner.  Usually there is some pasta leftover and I will put it in a container and send it to school with her for lunch.

It’s a challenge to be on this budget but possible if you stick to basics.  Certainly there are many things which you have to forgo because they are too expensive.  In another sense I realize that eating simple foods can be very health.  The trick is to be thoughtful mixing in fruits and vegetable and enough proteins.

And here is Chef Mihalski’s simple oatmeal recipe:

½ cup rolled oats- $0.15

1 cup water

¼ cup milk – $0.10

1 oz. raisins- $0.20

½ tsp cinnamon – $0.10

¼ tsp salt

1 tbls. sugar – $0.03

Total – $0.58

1) Combine oats, water, milk and raisins in a small pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.

2) Add cinnamon, salt and sugar. Eat.

Here is a simple recipe for a hearty, healthy breakfast for about 60 cents per serving. You can buy rolled oats in the bulk food section of most grocery stores.The raisins can be from the bulk section or buy a one pound box and have extra for snacks.

Tomorrow, we’ll post Chef Mihalski’s tomato sauce recipe so stay tuned!