Donal Skehan’s Easy Family Dinners Amid Parenting Chaos
Irish TV presenter and cookbook author Donal Skehan shares his insights on navigating the chaos of parenthood while cooking wholesome, fuss-free meals in his latest cookbook, *Donal’s Real Time Recipes*. As a father of two, Skehan focuses on quick, nutritious dishes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, catering to families with hectic schedules. His philosophy emphasizes simplicity and joy in cooking, with tips on engaging kids in the kitchen and making mealtime a grounding experience amid life's chaos. Skehan’s approach resonates with Malta’s Mediterranean lifestyle, which values fresh, local ingredients and communal dining. His practical advice and recipes offer inspiration for parents and busy households striving to balance nutritious meals with the demands of everyday life.
"Dinner Without Drama: Donal Skehan’s Secrets to Cooking Through the Chaos of Parenthood"
For busy parents, dinner can often feel like a battlefield rather than a moment of joy. Irish TV presenter, food writer, and cookbook author Donal Skehan knows this all too well. As a father of two young boys—Oliver, five, and Noah, seven—Skehan has embraced the whirlwind of parenthood while still managing to whip up meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. His latest cookbook, Donal’s Real Time Recipes, is a reflection of this stage in life, offering a collection of fuss-free dishes that cater to families juggling hectic schedules.
“I just dream of the moment where I can play jazz, sip a Negroni, and read my cookbooks in peace,” Skehan jokes, acknowledging that such moments are rare when you’re deep in the trenches of parenting. Weekends that were once dedicated to slow-braising stews or experimenting with elaborate recipes are now spent ferrying kids to activities and keeping up with life’s chaos. But rather than lamenting this change, Skehan has found joy in the challenge. “Parenthood knocks you for six, and you need every little bit of help you can get,” he says with a grin. His new cookbook is designed to do just that—help parents serve up balanced, wholesome meals without the stress.
The recipes in Donal’s Real Time Recipes are crafted to take 30 minutes or less, perfect for families who want to eat well but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Skehan deliberately avoids time-consuming steps like marinating or prolonged oven-baking. “I need straight-through cooking,” he explains. “No faffing, no waiting around—just dinner cooked swiftly and without complications.” For him, the goal is simple yet powerful: “When you sit down for dinner, you should have something you’re genuinely excited about.”
While the concept of quick meals isn’t new, Skehan emphasizes that his recipes are more than just a gimmick. “At the core of this book is really good, hearty, home-cooked food,” he says. “The process behind each dish is carefully thought out to ensure it flows seamlessly in the kitchen.” Whether you’re a parent or not, Skehan believes cooking can be a grounding experience in an otherwise chaotic life. “Life can get out of hand in lots of ways, and cooking is a fantastic anchor point,” he shares.
In Malta, where family meals are deeply rooted in tradition, Skehan’s philosophy resonates. The island’s Mediterranean lifestyle celebrates fresh, local ingredients and communal dining, making his practical approach to cooking particularly relevant. For instance, Skehan’s emphasis on simplicity aligns beautifully with Malta’s culinary staples like fresh seafood, sun-ripened vegetables, and olive oil, all of which can be transformed into quick, flavorful meals.
Skehan also encourages making cooking a family affair. Growing up in Howth, Ireland, he recalls how his parents—both of whom worked in the food industry—prioritized sitting down together for dinner each evening, a tradition he’s eager to maintain with his own family. “It was a big deal in my house,” he says. “You sat at the table, you ate your food, and you helped out if needed.” While he acknowledges the challenges of keeping kids focused at the dinner table, he believes in small wins. Growing vegetables with his boys in a couple of garden boxes, for instance, has been a way to spark their curiosity about food. “Even if they don’t eat what comes out of it, they’ve seen the process—where it’s planted, how it grows,” Skehan shares. “We picked cucumbers the other day, and they ate them straight from the box. For me, that was a real win.”
For parents struggling to get kids involved, Skehan suggests adding an element of fun. “Taco nights and spaghetti nights are big in our house,” he says. “You can get them to do just about anything if you make a game out of it.”
His advice also extends to those who feel daunted by the idea of cooking altogether. Skehan credits his mum for teaching him the simplest way to start: by chopping an onion. “By literally just getting over that first hurdle, you’re in the kitchen, you’re cooking,” he says, adding that once you take that first step, the rest tends to flow naturally.
As Malta continues to embrace a growing culture of health-conscious dining, Skehan’s practical approach offers inspiration for families looking to make mealtime both manageable and meaningful. From quick recipes that highlight fresh, local ingredients to ideas for engaging kids in the kitchen, Donal’s Real Time Recipes is a guide for anyone striving to balance busy lives with the joy of home-cooked food.
Whether you’re a parent juggling school runs or simply someone looking for ways to simplify dinner, Skehan’s philosophy is a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mindset and a few smart tips, even the busiest of households can find moments of calm—and deliciousness—in the kitchen.