Cooking for Busy Healthy People (Coursera)

Better health and creative expression lie in the ability to improvise in the kitchen, using whatever is available to make tasty, simple meals. We can’t wait to welcome you into our kitchens in this mouth-watering course! Here’s to your health and the home cooking that can support it!

Special thanks to course contributors: Israel Garcia, Jacopo Bene, Jesper Baanghaell, Sejal Parekh, William Bottini, Perry Pickert and Friday Films

What You Will Learn

- Learn how to cook using a principle-based approach so that you can make healthy food with whatever is available in your kitchen and in your region.

- Learn how to prepare plant-forward meals that will delight you and protect your health.

- Make it easier to cook regularly, by having the right ingredients on hand.

Course 3 of 3 in the Food Sustainability, Mindful Eating, and Healthy Cooking Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Foundations for Healthy Cooking

In this module we will prepare to get cooking by defining a set of key, basic ingredients that will allow you to cook more frequently, using whatever you have on hand. We’ll also learn how to apply principle-based cooking to the creation of flexible meals, instead of being overly tied down by recipes. We’ll also learn how to shop for and store vegetables in ways that help you to eat more of them! Let’s get started!

WEEK 2

Cooking with Maya

In this module, we’ll be cooking some of my favorite recipes - including some healthy dessert options! Desserts are often a challenge for people like me who love dessert but want to stay healthy. So, in this collection, I’ve tried to complement the other recipes in this course [the savory recipes in modules 3 and 4] with some of my favorite desserts. I’ll also show you how to make some delicious, savory breakfasts and how to make a single chicken last for three great, wholesome meals. Good for you and good for the environment! Come and cook with me?

WEEK 3

Cooking with Israel Garcia

In this module, you’ll get to meet Chef Israel Garcia and we’ll be cooking some plant-based recipes with this dynamic Mexican chef. He won’t be using any meat in his meals, but they are packed with nutrition and flavor! After watching Chef Israel’s recipes, you’ll choose one to cook yourself - or adapt one of them using locally available ingredients. We can’t wait to see what you make!

WEEK 4

Cooking with Jacopo Beni

In this module, you’ll get to meet Chef Jacopo Beni and we’ll be cooking some traditional, seasonal comfort food with this innovative Italian chef. He will be using moderate amounts of meat and fish in his meals, but if you’re vegetarian, please feel free to substitute! After watching Chef Jacopo’s recipes, you’ll choose one to cook yourself - or adapt one of them using locally available ingredients. We can’t wait to see what you make!