There is nothing better than enjoying a bit of comfort food when the mercury outside begins to plummet. While there are plenty of online recipes, some of these are more popular (and healthy) than others. The professionals at Spatz3 have therefore gone ahead and highlighted ten comfort meals that are easy to prepare and even easier on the waistline.
Sauteed Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
This is one of the easiest comfort food recipes and yet, it will provide plenty of vitamins and it is a rich source of protein. Sautee sliced tomatoes before topping them with thin slices of buffalo mozzarella. Add parsley for even more flavor.
Hearty Winter Meatloaf
When prepared correctly, meatloaf is a surprising healthy food. Combine lean ground beef (turkey is a favourite) with low-fat milk, honey, natural Italian seasoning, and egg whites. This comfort food meatloaf recipe is quite filling and can even be used as an entire meal.
Black Bean Soup
Many individuals consider soup to be the best comfort food due to its inherently light nature. However, taste is just as important to remember. This next recipe satisfies the best of both worlds. It consists of black beans, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, coriander, and avocado slices.
Slow-Cooked Lentil Casserole
If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, this next suggestion represents one of the most satisfying comfort food dinner ideas. Ideal for vegetarians, this casserole uses lentils, garlic cloves, carrots, finely chopped onions, and peeled parsnips as its main ingredients. Place in a slow cooker and wait to be amazed with the final results.
Lentil and Cabbage Soup
While the ingredients for this recipe are easy to procure, it will taste as if had been prepared in a five-star restaurant. Combine lentils with white cabbage, chopped mushrooms and miso. This is yet another suggestion that can be used as a midday snack or an entire meal.
Chicken and Blue Cheese Pilaf
The lean nature of chicken breast is great for those who are counting their calories and when combined with the tangy allure of blue cheese, this meal will be a hit with nearly everyone. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients such as walnuts, cashews or leeks.
Potato and Mushroom Soup
Soups are popular comfort foods and once again, this dish can be prepared by anyone within a short period of time. As the title suggests, simply combine chopped portobello mushrooms with roast potatoes. Adding seasonings will provide an extra kick of flavour (fresh ground black pepper and even a touch of ginger are some interesting ideas to consider).
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and vegans alike. Its main ingredients include onions, two large chopped carrots, cauliflower, peas, sliced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Once again, you have a great deal of latitude in terms of other options. Common examples include rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves and peas. Add a dash of virgin olive oil for additional heart-friendly benefits.
Stuffed Cauliflower
This is arguably the best comfort food for those who wish to do away with utensils. Simply cut out the centres of cauliflower hearts. Then, place kale and chopped chestnuts within before roasting in an oven. This finger-licking meal is an excellent source of protein and it is also quite filling.
Healthy Lasagne
Starting off with whole wheat lasagne sheets, add chopped tomatoes, lean minced beef, carrots, celery sticks, and onions. Seasonings can include (but are not necessarily limited to) thyme, balsamic vinegar and garlic. We also recommend adding a generous amount of grated parmesan and nutmeg within the tomato sauce for even more flavor.
Comfort Food Recipes Without the Guilt
Many individuals will tend to gain weight over the winter due to poor eating habits and somewhat sedentary lifestyles. However, all of the comfort meals previously mentioned are satisfying without forcing you to consume excess calories. Remaining slim and trim will also involve other strategies including:
- Exercising on a regular basis.
- Obtaining adequate amounts of sleep.
- Adopting a balanced diet.
Or, perhaps you are already beginning to experience the belly-flattening benefits of the adjustable Spatz3 gastric balloon. If so, incorporating the comfort foods outlined above is even more relevant and we encourage you to bookmark this page for future reference.
