Comfort food can range anywhere from foods that provide instant gratification for cravings to childhood favourites that seem to satisfy old taste buds due to the memory associated with it. Whatever your reason for wanting to get cozy with a plate of food, or your preference, these meals listed here are tested favourites and can be modified and adapted to your taste. Why have only five comfort foods when you can have ten?
- Mac and Cheese
Few people can deny the feeling of goodness that a spoonful of mac and cheese gives. Made with a generous amount of cheese for that creamy texture and, of course, taste. There are different methods of preparing this delicious meal, and it can be paired with other side dishes such as meatloaf or veggies.
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
Made with a combination of tomatoes, spices and herbs. The choice for meatballs could be ground beef or turkey, as they both work well for this meal. This is the one-pot food that is sure to bring out the nosiness of your neighbours, as the aroma will linger in the air whilst you get down to doing it justice.
- Chicken Pot Pie
Undoubtedly every meat-lover’s favourite comfort food. Made with a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs; and of course, the grand ingredient: soft chicken boiled with spices and herbs, and diced or cut into small pieces. Frying the vegetables in butter before adding the chicken pieces ensures a more flavourful result. Eat this meal at any time of the day and incorporate any side dish of your fancy. For a mouth-watering experience, combine 1Tbs ketchup, mayonnaise, and ½ cup milk, mix until a smooth and runny consistency, and pour over a served portion of pie before eating. Thank us later!
- Meatloaf
This classic dish is a firm favourite for many seeking a comforting dinner. Due to its impressive look, meatloaf can be included in large dinners or lunch meals too. Ground beef can be replaced with turkey for that extra delicious taste. Meatloaf can be paired with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese or both if you wish. But it can totally stand alone as a comfort food when needed.
- Lasagna
Flat pasta strips layered multiple times over a choice of ground protein is how this delicious meal is prepared. It is topped with a good amount of cheese before baking in the oven for that aftermath melted cheesy texture.
- Pizza
For those evenings when you cannot prepare any dish because you’re worn out and tired, pizza is always the best option. Usually finished with mozzarella cheese to bring in the flavours and evoke that cozy feeling. The versatility of this dish is that it can be eaten anywhere as a snack or main meal. It can be topped with pieces of vegetables, fruits, or proteins such as olives, mushrooms, bacon, pineapple, etc. This is the go-to comfort food whether you prefer it freshly prepared at home, purchased frozen in stores, or ordered from restaurants.
- Mashed Potatoes
This food is sure to give you that feeling of fuzziness you’re craving. The softness of the potatoes is a result of boiling to perfection, and mashed with butter and salt to taste. Mashed potatoes can be paired with several side dishes including meatloaf, veggies, and sauces.
- Soup
Many varieties of this comfort food abound. Soups can be thick or watery, and can be prepared using your choice of vegetables or protein. Depending on your preference, switch up the taste of your soups using a combination of seasonal spices and herbs for a flavourful and satisfying dish. My recommendations are butternut soup—for its smooth rich buttery taste, and turkey soup made with choice vegetables and chunks of turkey seasoned and boiled to perfection.
- Noodles
Noodles can be in soup form and can also be prepared in combination with fried vegetables or meat. What landed this meal on the list is its ability to satisfy that instant craving for something savoury, and its simplicity and ease of preparation (some noodles can be popped into the microwave and made in a little less than three minutes).
- Chili
One comfort food that you’re bound to overeat is chili. Usually made with a blend of chili seasonings, ground beef and beans (kidney), top with a selection of green onions, cheese (cheddar), and crackers for extra textured flavour. This food goes well with cornbread or biscuits, and will leave you feeling good long after the last spoonful is eaten.
Chinenye Emezie | Assistant Editor
