What Are Traditional Comfort Foods?
omfort food encompasses more than just traditional American favorites like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. The basic tenets of comfort food have been embraced by cuisines from around the world, including Italy, France, Morocco, and Japan. The only requirements are that the flavors are familiar and the food fills you up like a hug from mom.
- Ratatouille. Flickr: www.beontheroad.com A prime example of vegetables making other vegetables even more delicious.
- Creamed Spinach. The most delicious leafy greens will ever be.
- Roast Chicken. One of these could feed you for a whole week.
- Peanut Butter.
- Ice Cream.
- Spaghetti & Meatballs.
- Chicken Pot Pie.
- Fried Chicken.
- Shrimp & Grits.
- French Fries.
Our Staff Favorite Comfort Foods
- Pigeon Peas With Rice. Just like my grandma makes them.
- Fried Chicken. When I was a kid, Tuesdays were half-off day at Popeyes, and we always took advantage.
- Lasagna. This is at the top of the many dishes that bring me solace, a casserole that combines two classic ingredients: pasta and cheese.
- Smothered Chicken and Rice.
- Chili.
- Soup.
85 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
- Dutch Oven Pizza. We created this Dutch oven pizza to get more use out of our favorite piece of cookware.
- Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes.
- Makeover Cheddar Biscuits.
- Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel.
- Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie.
- Makeover Creamed Corn.
- Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf.
- Makeover Fruit Pizza.
- Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole.
- Makeover Creamy Artichoke Dip.
What is in a soothing soup?
My five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin
To me, this spicy pea soup is total comfort food. I cook it low and slow all day, and it fills the house with a yummy aroma. It’s so good with a nice, crispy baguette. —Chelsea Tichenor, Huntington Beach, California
Sunday Roast Chicken. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be full of unwanted calories. Mixed with orange and lemon juice, my roast chicken is both flavorful and healthy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.