It seems as if overnight the weather turned to grey skies and grumpy rain clouds. As it gets increasingly dark later in the evenings, going home after work to COOK might be the last thing you want to do. Hey, we get it. There’s no shame in reheating that frozen pizza that’s been sitting in your freezer for a touch too long. We’ve been there.
But if we’re honest, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a big bowl of comfort food on a gloomy day. We’re made a list of our top 10 (healthy!) comfort foods that scream “eat me while wearing a snuggie” and are easy enough to throw together on a weeknight.
Helloooo happy tummies and wicked leftover work lunches.
xo,
Chelsea & Finn
Chelsea’s Top 5:
Sweet Potato & Chorizo Sausage Chili. A hearty stew packed with chunks of tender sweet potato, crumbled chorizo, and hearty black beans. Pair this with a slice of grainy bread and it’s basically a hug in a bowl.
Baked Turkey, Zucchini & Quinoa Meatballs on Polenta. There’s something incredibly satisfying about this one. Flavorful tomato sauce, creamy polenta, and meatballs that pack a bunch of good-for-you things in them without tasting like they have a bunch of good-for-you things in them.
Butternut Squash, Black Bean, and Chicken Pasta Bake. Oh man. The day I discovered using pureed butternut squash in place of pasta sauce was a day I’ll never forget. Sure, this dish might be pasta, and it might have lots of cheese, so it’s probably not the “healthiest” thing on this list. But the creamy butternut squash sauce is so divine, you won’t even realize you’re eating all the veg.
30-Minute Spicy Vegetarian Lentil Stew. The photos for this one are old, but it’s still a goodie. For those days when you feel like beans instead of meat, this hearty, quick stew packs a ton of flavour.
Maple Carrot Ginger Soup. Ah, soup. Hearty carrots, tangy ginger, and just a hint of maple, this will satisfy on those grey winter days. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to put together!
Finn’s Top 5:
Slow-Roasted Tomato & Caramelized Onion Soup. The incredible depth of flavours in this slow cooked vegetarian soup will blow your mind. Part French onion soup, part tomato soup with grilled cheese, this comfort food will warm you right to the core.
Oven-Caramelized Spiced Cauliflower Florets. I know what you’re thinking- roasted cauliflower? Comfort food? I guess… Trust me on this one. These delectable bites are the perfect alternative to a big bowl of popcorn on your next snuggly movie night. Apparently people in Sweden even have a word for this kind of evening: fredagsmys. Roughly translated, it is the act of curling up indoors on a Friday night, lighting candles, cuddling under a blanket on the sofa, eating good food and watching a movie. What an amazing country. I love Sweden.
Italian Eggs in Shakshukatory. Shakshuka, Eggs in Purgatory… whatever you call it, this quick and easy comfort food will cure what ails ya. Oozy poached eggs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, loaded with handfuls of vegetables and topped with crumbled feta and herbs. This will warm you from the inside out and sneak all those five servings of veggies into your daily diet!
Vegetarian Mulligatawny. You wanted healthy? We’ve got your healthy! This Indian spiced soup is one bit pot of good-for-you. Carrots, lentils, apples, onions and garlic richly spiced with immune boosting turmeric, ginger and other warming spices. All the richness to cure that curry craving, but without all the take-out heaviness. I honestly can’t think of anything more comforting or healthy, so this one had to make the list. Did I mention it’s vegan and gluten-free? It’s also vegan and gluten-free.
Moroccan Quinoa Stuffed Peppers. These easy stuffed peppers pack big flavour but are light on the stomach (so you can eat 3, right?). Quinoa triggers the same comfort reaction in me as a hearty pasta but… without the pasta. I like topping mine with a sprinkle of feta, but they can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese.
love what I see!!
Thanks, Diane! 🙂 🙂