Almost all of us have some snack, meal, or other edible that we turn to whenever we need comfort. In times of stress, sadness, or a global pandemic, many use food as a coping mechanism.
And in moderation, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Whether it’s chocolate, a bag of chips, or a favorite meal, millions of us enjoy a guilty pleasure now and then, especially when we need a bit of comfort.
With fall having officially arrived and the holiday season being right around the corner, many of you could probably use a bit of that right now. This is why we wanted to share a few ideas for autumn that will be your new favorite comfort foods.
1. Pastitsio
Trust us; Pastitsio is delicious! This baked pasta dish from Greece is made with ground lamb, a rich bolognese sauce, and is infused with Greek spices and herbs. This is a deep, rich, and hearty meal that is a great way to end a stressful day.
2. Mushroom Pepper Steak
With a 15 minute prep time and 15 minutes marinating in a 14” wok, this simple mushroom pepper steak recipe is quick, simple, and delicious. Serve it with a warm side of mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese, and you’ve got a whole comfort meal.
3. Waldorf Pudding
This delicious Waldorf pudding was served to first-class passengers as the 10th course of the last dinner served on the Titanic, and while the original recipe went down with the ship, there are several variations on the web that are thought to come close.
4. Apple Pork Chops
This one takes a little extra prep and cook time, but it’s well worth the effort. It only requires six ingredients and is virtually guaranteed to capture the feeling of the season.
5. Pumpkin Shake
What screams fall more than pumpkin? While almost every coffee shop and fast food place generally offers some sort of pumpkin spice concoction at this time of year, you can make your own pumpkin spice shake at home with a high-powered blender and a few ingredients.
6. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Roasted butternut squash risotto is perfect for capturing that feeling of fall. Plus, this recipe can be easily adjusted if you need it to be gluten or dairy-free.
7. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fall is a baking season, and while you may enjoy a frosted cookie now and again throughout the rest of the year, these pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies are perfect for autumn.
8. Wild Rice Soup
Grab your favorite large soup bowl and get ready to enjoy this cozy wild rice soup. Made with fresh seasonal vegetables and greens and wild rice, it’s perfect for your pressure cooker.
9. Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup
Speaking of pressure cookers, this recipe with tender chunks of sweet potato with crispy tortilla strips and a smoky, tomato-rich broth makes this sweet potato tortilla soup a must-try.
10. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Soup and chicken pot pie: the perfect combination for a cozy night at home. It’s an easy recipe with minimal ingredients, so even the little ones can join in on the cooking fun. Plus, it’s a slow cooker recipe. This means you can place all the ingredients in the slow cooker before you leave to work and come back to enjoy a delicious meal.
The holidays are around the corner, and though a lot of you will have plenty of opportunities to stuff yourselves with turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie very soon, the recipes above may provide a little comfort before those celebrations begin.