Pick Some Favorite Comfort Foods And We'll Guess Your Sign
- by Laura Martisiute
- – on
- in Lifestyle
There are two types of people in the world – those who eat when they are stressed and those who can’t stomach food when they are upset. Most of us fall into the former category. There is nothing like a delicious, filling home cooked meal to make us feel a little better about ourselves and our lives.
Of course, not all food will make us feel better. Some food might actually contribute to our overall feeling of sadness. The key to getting over our blues is to opt for dishes that we are familiar with and dishes that we love. Forget healthy dishes that taste only okay. Instead, opt for comfort foods such as mac and cheese, lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, apple pie and pancakes. They are all dishes that we grew up with and in consequence, they are the dishes that make us feel safe and loved.
The best thing about comfort food is without doubt the fact that they are so popular. This means that one doesn’t even have to be good in the kitchen to indulge in dishes that make us feel better. Go into any cafe or restaurant and you are bound to find at least one comfort dish on the menu. Not feeling like going out? Then make a quick stop by the local grocery store and purchase ready-made mac and cheese or lasagna. They might not be as good as the real deal but they will probably help dispel the blues anyways.
Waffles?
Waffles don’t really need an explanation. Pretty much everyone knows that waffles are made from dough that has been cooked in a waffle machine. Waffles are common in countries all over the world. They are usually topped with maple syrup or chocolate as well as fruit such as sliced bananas or strawberries. More often than not waffles are eaten for breakfast. However, some people eat waffles as a snack or as a dessert. Those who don’t have a waffle machine can buy pre-made waffles at almost any grocery store.
Tuna Melt?
Tuna melt is one of those classic sandwiches that provide instant comfort. A tuna melt sandwich can be purchased in almost every cafe around the world but it is also very easy to make this tasty sandwich at home. Indeed, all you need for the filling is tuna, mayonnaise, shallots, salt, pepper, lemon juice, parsley and hot sauce. Combine these ingredients and spread the delicious paste onto toast. Top the toast with tomato slices and cheese and place the sandwich in the oven for around five minutes or so.
Popcorn?
Popcorn is a delicious snack that is made by popping corn kernels. Most of us associate popcorn with movie nights but of course one doesn’t have to watch a film to enjoy this snack. One can purchase popcorn that is ready-made or popcorn that can be popped in the microwave. However, if you want to go the healthy route you should opt for a bag of corn kernels and pop them in a pot at home instead (preferably using coconut oil).
Tater Tots?
Tater tots are by no means healthy but there is no denying that they are extremely delicious. Tater tots are basically grated potatoes that have been deep fried. They are often served as a side dish although some people like to eat them as a snack too. One can buy tater tots in grocery stores all over the world. However, one can also easily make them at home. Those who are into their health might want to go with the latter option for that way one can determine what exactly goes into them.
Cheesecake?
Cheesecake is a delicious dessert. It consists of a cookie-like base (that is made from... you guessed it, crushed up cookies!) and a cheesy filling (made from fresh cheese such as ricotta or cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla). Sometimes the cake is topped with chocolate, cream, jelly or fresh fruit. This cake is refrigerated before it is eaten. One can make plain cheesecake or one can flavour it. For example, popular cheesecake flavours include strawberry, chocolate and key lime.
Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks?
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are obviously pieces of mozzarella cheese that have been breaded and deep-fried. Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are a popular side dish to pizzas but are also often eaten as a snack. They can be purchased in most fast food restaurants or pizza takeaways. However, they are also quite easy to make at home. All you need to do is coat mozzarella sticks in a breadcrumb mixture (which consists of herb-seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and flour) and then deep fry them.
Spaghetti Bolognese?
Italian dishes are not only filling and delicious but also super comforting. Take Spaghetti Bolognese, for example. Spaghetti Bolognese is without doubt one of the most popular Italian dishes out there. It is made using spaghetti pasta which is topped with creamy Bolognese sauce. Bolognese sauce can be either purchased ready-made in store or prepared at home. All one needs to make it is tomatoes, garlic, minced beef, wine and of course plenty of herbs. Top the pasta dish with parmesan or grana padano cheese and you are all set!
S'mores?
A s’more is a traditional campfire treat. S’mores are made using graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. All one has to do to make a perfect s’more is toast a marshmallow piece over a fire. Ideally, you want the marshmallow to be gooey but not burnt. Then, place the marshmallow piece and some chocolate in between two graham crackers and enjoy. Of course, one doesn’t necessarily have to be camping to make this snack. If making s’mores at home, toast the marshmallow pieces in the oven or in the microwave.
Sloppy Joe?
Most people either love or detest Sloppy Joe. Sloppy Joe is a unique sandwich. It might not look too appetizing but it is, in actual fact, incredibly delicious. Just like most sandwiches, Sloppy Joe is very easy to make. Indeed, all you need is ground beef (or alternatively pork although some people also use ground turkey and even vegetable protein), onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning and of course, hamburger buns. Combine all of the ingredients together and place them inside the hamburger buns. And voila – you have just made yourself a delicious Sloppy Joe sandwich.
Scrambled Eggs?
Everyone knows how to make scrambled eggs. All one needs is eggs, butter, salt and pepper. Combine all of the ingredients and whisk them. Then, pour the mixture into a pan and continue stirring it so as to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The continuous stirring will ensure that the egg mixture is of a curd-like consistency. Those who want their scrambled eggs to be very fluffy often add dairy to the egg mixture. Others also like to add ham or cheese to the mixture so as to make this dish more filling.
Rocky Road?
Rocky road is an indulgent biscuit and one that most of us like to have as rarely as possible (purely because once you have a bite, you cannot stop). Rocky road is made from milk chocolate and marshmallows although sometimes other ingredients such as coconut flakes, glace cherries, nuts or dried fruit are also added. Rocky road is especially popular in the U.S. and the U.K. As far as desserts go, rocky road is incredibly easy to make. Indeed, it doesn’t even need to be baked.
French Fries?
Everyone knows that French fries are deep-fried potatoes. Once again, this comfort dish is not very healthy but it is very delicious and filling. French fries are often served as a side to burgers and meat dishes. It is common to order French fries at fast food restaurants. Of course, it is also possible to make French fries at home. Most people however prefer to get them out purely because the effort that goes into making them is not worth it (and because they are so cheap to get anyways).
Pumpkin Pie?
You know it’s finally fall when you can smell pumpkin pie everywhere. Pumpkin pie is pretty self-explanatory – it is pie that consists of pumpkin (as well as other ingredients such as condensed milk, eggs, sugar and of course, plenty of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves). Pumpkin pie is especially popular in the U.S. and is often prepared for Thanksgiving dinner. We mentioned previously that it is a typical fall dessert but it is eaten in winter too.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
What’s better than a cheese sandwich? A grilled cheese sandwich of course! A grilled cheese sandwich is basically a cheese sandwich (i.e. bread with cheese) that has been toasted or grilled. A grilled cheese sandwich should be crispy (although the cheese should be gooey). There are numerous ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich. For example, you can make it in a frying pan, in a griddle or even in the oven. A grilled cheese sandwich is often eaten either as lunch, as a snack, or as a side to another dish (such as tomato soup for example).
Pot Roast?
Pot roast is a comforting beef dish that consists of beef and vegetables (think onions, carrots, potatoes and golden beets). It is quite easy to make although it requires plenty of patience (since it is not going to be ready in an hour or even two). One starts off by slow cooking the meat (which means that the resulting beef will be incredibly tender and succulent). Then, once the meat is browned, it is simmered in stock and tomatoes. It is only during the final hour that vegetables are added (Yankee Magazine).
Apple Pie?
When it comes to desserts, there is nothing more comforting than good old apple pie. Apple pie is pie that has been made using apples. More often than not the apples used to make apple pie are somewhat sour. Apple pie is often served with whipped cream or ice cream. Some people also serve it with cheddar cheese (although of course not everyone is going to be a fan of this). Apple pie is quite easy to make at home and is often baked in fall.
Pepperoni Pizza?
Who doesn’t love pizza? If we could, most of us would probably eat it every single night (and we wouldn’t get bored of it either since there are countless of toppings to choose from). Unfortunately, most pizzas are not that healthy which means that we tend to indulge in pizza on an occasional basis. One of the most popular pizzas out there is without doubt pepperoni pizza. Pepperoni pizza is pretty simple in that it consists of very few ingredients, namely cheese (and to be more specific, mozzarella and parmesan) and pepperoni.
Brownies?
Chocolate brownies, or just brownies, are one of the most indulgent desserts out there. They are made using ingredients such as butter, eggs, flour, sugar and of course, chocolate (although in some cases cocoa powder is used instead). Timing is everything when it comes to making brownies. You want them to be crispy on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside. As such, when making this sweet treat at home it is necessary to keep a close eye on it as it is baking.
Chicken Curry?
When most of us go to an Indian or Asian restaurant or takeaway we end up ordering curry. If we’re feeling fancy we might experiment but if we want something comforting and filling we will without doubt go with chicken curry. Chicken curry consists of chicken, onions, garlic, and spices (such as chili pepper, turmeric, coriander, cumin,and garam masala). Sometimes vegetables (such as potatoes or green beans) are also added. Chicken curry is often served with either naan bread or rice (or both!)
Green Bean Casserole?
As far as comfort foods go, green bean casserole can’t be beaten purely because it is so easy to make. Green bean casserole consists of green beans, French fried onions and cream of mushroom soup. It is often served as a side dish during Thanksgiving. This dish hasn’t been around for all that long. Indeed, it was only invented sometime in the 1950’s by Campbell’s Soup Company but it was an immediate success. Of course, today it is as popular as ever. According to History, as much as 40% of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup that is bought is used to make this comforting dish.
Cheeseburger?
A cheeseburger is a burger that is topped with cheese. As far as burgers go it is incredibly popular. Apart from cheese it also consists of meat and other toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise and ketchup to name just a few. The ingredients and toppings depend on who is making the cheeseburger. Most of us get our cheeseburgers at fast food restaurants. Indeed, very few of us bother making cheeseburgers at home (purely because of the effort required to make them).
Peanut Butter?
Let’s be honest - most of us have a jar of peanut butter in our fridge. Peanut butter is a delicious spread that is quite versatile. One can spread it on toast or crackers or one can eat it straight out of the jar. Peanut butter is also often added to various desserts (and in particular healthy desserts). Peanut butter is made from roasted peanuts and salt. Ideally, that’s all peanut butter should contain. However, some commercial brands also contain sweeteners such as sugar as well as vegetable oils.
Pancakes?
Pancakes are delicious flat, round cakes. They are made from a batter that more often than not contains eggs, flour, milk and butter (although there are recipes for supposedly healthier pancakes out there too). There are numerous ways that one can prepare pancakes. For example, pancakes can be made in a pan or in the oven. They can also be made in a special pancake machine. Most people eat pancakes for breakfast although of course they can also be eaten as a dessert or as a snack.
Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is without doubt one of the most popular Asian dishes out there. Indeed, most of us opt for this dish every time we go to an Asian restaurant or takeaway. The ingredients that go into a Pad Thai vary depending on who is making it and what they have on hand. However, more often than not Pad Thai is made using rice noodles, eggs, tamarind paste, fish sauce, garlic, spring onions, beansprout, prawns, sugar, peanuts and limes (BBC Good Food).
Chicken Pot Pie?
Another dish that brings everyone instant comfort is chicken pot pie. Chicken pot pie is one of the most popular dishes out there and probably one of the most looked-up recipes on the internet. Chicken pot pie is relatively easy to make and is not only incredibly filling but also insanely delicious. Indeed, all one needs to make chicken pot pie is refrigerated pie crust (which of course can be made from scratch), butter, onion, flour, chicken broth, milk, chicken, mixed vegetables and salt and pepper.
Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone is another popular soup that many of us crave when we are seeking comfort. Minestrone soup is of Italian origin. Once again, the ingredients that it is made from depend on who is making it and what they have on hand. Indeed, one can add pretty much anything to this soup. More often than not this soup contains meat. Nonetheless, it is possible to make this soup without meat too. Apart from meat this soup also consists of vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, onions and celery as well as stock and pasta (or alternatively, rice).
Milk and Cookies?
What is it about milk and cookies that immediately transports us back to our childhood? Many of us are partial to this snack to this day although those of us who are conscious about our health have replaced cow’s milk with almond milk or oat milk and chocolate chip cookies (hands down the best cookies out there, as most will probably agree) with oat cookies (or similar cookies that are deemed to be somewhat healthy and that probably contain nuts and chia seeds).
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad is without doubt one of the most popular salads out there and is on offer at most restaurants. Indeed, if we are not feeling very hungry we might opt to have a Chicken Caesar salad for lunch or even for dinner. Chicken Caesar salad consists of romaine lettuce (although sometimes it is substituted with kale), garlic, anchovies, parmesan, mayonnaise, and white vinegar. Oftentimes, tomatoes are also added. It is common to serve this salad either with fresh bread or croutons.
Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It is made using macaroni, cheddar sauce (or alternatively a sauce that has been made by mixing béchamel sauce with parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese), butter, milk and flour. Macaroni and cheese is quite easy to make at home (it can be made either in the oven or in a pan). However, this comforting dish is also available ready-made in most grocery stores (perfect for those who don’t have the time or the energy to cook).
Tomato Soup?
Tomato soup is one of the most comforting soups of there. It is obviously made from tomatoes although onions, carrots and garlic are also often added to this soup. There are numerous ways to prepare and eat this soup. For example, the texture of this soup can be either smooth or chunky. In addition, one can eat this soup either hot or cold. In most countries around the world this soup is eaten hot. Oftentimes, it is served with sour cream and croutons. Other times, this soup is eaten with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Lasagna?
One of the most popular Italian dishes out there, lasagna is another food that immediately comforts us no matter what. As far as Italian dishes go, lasagna is not very easy to make in that it requires quite a few steps. Nonetheless, the effort that one puts in is worth it in the end (although of course it is also possible to purchase ready-made lasagna in most stores around the world). Lasagna is made by layering pasta with a sauce (usually béchamel sauce), meat, vegetables and cheese.
Garlic Bread?
Most people will probably agree that there is no better snack than garlic bread. For example, when it comes to ordering sides at pizza takeaways most of us opt for garlic bread. Why? Well, because garlic bread is incredibly delicious not to mention filling. Of course, it is not exactly healthy. Garlic bread is obviously made from bread (more often than not either a baguette or a ciabatta) that it topped with butter (or alternatively, oil) and garlic. In some cases, herbs are also added. This bread is then grilled until it becomes deliciously crispy.
Fried Chicken?
Fried chicken is just that – chicken that has been fried. Of course, before chicken pieces are fried they are also battered which gives them a deliciously crunchy texture. Fried chicken is popular in countries all over the world and is often served at fast food restaurants. Nonetheless, some people also like to make fried chicken at home (and, believe it or not, it is actually easier to make than it sounds). Fried chicken is obviously not very healthy but there is no harm in treating yourself once in a while.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a tasty frozen dessert that is more often than not made from dairy products (usually either milk or cream). Ice cream is usually eaten either as a snack or as a dessert. It comes in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and even Snickers. However, the most popular ice cream flavor of all is without doubt chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is basically a combination of two of the best desserts out there – chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.
Cinnamon Rolls?
Cinnamon rolls are also known as cinnamon buns or cinnamon snails. Their main ingredient is obviously cinnamon (hence the name). Other ingredients that are needed to make these delicious buns include flour, sugar, butter and yeast. These buns are more often than not topped either with icing sugar or cream cheese. Cinnamon rolls are popular in countries all over the world and in particular in Denmark and Austria. Because these buns are made using yeast it is recommended that they be eaten on the day that they are made.
Twinkies?
Twinkies are tasty snack cakes. Many of us reach for a Twinkie when we crave something sweet or when we are feeling down. Twinkies are basically small golden sponge cakes that are filled with a delicious creamy filling. While Twinkies are especially popular in the U.S. they can of course be purchased in other countries around the world too (although they are perhaps not as popular outside the U.S.). Unfortunately, like most delicious things, Twinkies are not that great for one’s health as they contain many additives and chemicals.
Classic Glazed Donuts?
Who doesn’t love donuts? While today we can choose from countless of donut flavors most people will probably agree that nothing beats good old fashioned classic glazed donuts. Donuts are available for purchase in quite a few grocery stores around the world. However, it is common knowledge that donuts that are purchased from bakeries or donut shops taste much better. Of course, one can also make donuts at home. However, donuts are not that easy to make and require both a lot of time and effort.
Fish and Chips?
Fish and chips is just that – deep-fried fish and chips (although this dish is often accompanied by mushy peas, a salad and tartar sauce). This dish is incredibly popular in the U.K. although of course it is also common in other countries around the world too. Fish and chips is not very healthy which is why it is a good idea to have it in moderation. Most people order fish and chips when they are out and about. It is rather unusual to make this dish at home.
Hummus?
Those who are looking for a healthy snack often turn to hummus. Hummus is a delicious spread that is often eaten with crackers or flatbreads. However, it can also be added to other dishes, salads and sandwiches. Hummus is available for purchase in most shops. However, those who have a blender can also easily make it at home. Indeed, all you need to make hummus is chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic and salt and pepper. Best of all, it only makes about five minutes to make this tasty spready.
French Toast?
If we were guaranteed to wake up to coffee and French toast every morning we would no doubt have a much easier time getting out of bed. Unfortunately, for most of us, French toast is a rare treat purely because it is not that easy to make (especially for those of us who are used to having cereal for breakfast). French toast is made by soaking bread in a mixture that consists of eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. This bread is then fried in either olive oil or butter and is served with jam, maple syrup and fruit.
Biscuits and Gravy?
Biscuits and gravy consists of soft dough biscuits that are covered in gravy. This unique dish is often eaten for breakfast in the U.S. where it is very popular. This dish is not as popular in other countries around the world however. Biscuits and gravy does not look that appetizing although it is incredibly delicious, not to mention filling (hence why this particular dish is the perfect breakfast food!) In general, most people either love biscuits and gravy or detest it.
Chicken Soup?
One of the most popular soups out there is without doubt chicken soup. Chicken soup is popular in countries all over the world. As is the case with so many other popular dishes, the ingredients that are used to make chicken soup vary from person to person. For example, some people might add noodles to chicken soup whereas others might opt for dumplings or rice instead. The one ingredient that pretty much everyone uses however is clear chicken broth. Many believe that chicken soup is an excellent remedy for the common cold.
Chili?
Chili con carne, better known simply as chili, is another dish that is incredibly comforting and filling (and of course, delicious). As the name makes it quite clear, chili is a spicy stew. It consists of chili peppers, meat, beans and tomatoes. Sometimes garlic and onions are also added. The ingredients that are used in this dish, and even the way that this dish is prepared, depends on who is making this dish (and the country that they live in). Most of us tend to cook this dish in the colder winter months.
Chocolate?
Most of us eat chocolate on a daily basis. Chocolate is made from cacao seeds and can be eaten both as a snack and as a dessert. There are three main types of chocolate that we can choose from – white chocolate (which is very sweet), milk chocolate (probably the most popular type of chocolate out there) and dark chocolate (quite bitter in taste). Out of the three, dark chocolate is without doubt the best for one’s health. Indeed, according to Health Line, regular consumption of dark chocolate might actually reduce the risk of both a heart attack and a stroke.
Avocado Toast?
What could be better than toast? Avocado toast! Avocado toast has become incredibly popular as of late. It basically consists of toast that has been topped with a mushy avocado, lemon juice and salt and pepper (although sometimes olive oil or red pepper flakes are also added). One can also add eggs to avocado toast to make this dish even more filling. Avocado toast can be purchased in most cafes around the world but it is obviously super easy to make at home.
Baked Potato?
Another name for a baked potato is a jacked potato. A baked potato is obviously a potato that has been baked. It is often filled with other ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and even bacon. The ingredients used to make these delicious baked potatoes depend entirely on the person making them. Indeed, even the method in which they are made might differ (some might make them in the oven whereas others might make them in the microwave). Baked potatoes are quite filling so it comes as no surprise that they are often eaten for lunch. They are also served as a side dish during dinner.
BLT Sandwich?
A BLT sandwich is one of the most popular sandwiches out there, and for good reason. BLT sandwiches are incredibly delicious so it comes as no surprise that they are sold in pretty much every cafe around the world. A BLT sandwich gets its name from the ingredients that are used to make it (namely bacon, lettuce and tomatoes). Of course, one doesn’t necessarily have to go to a cafe to indulge in this sandwich for it is incredibly easy to make at home.
Burritos?
Burritos were invented in Mexico but they quickly spread to other parts of the world too. After all, they are incredibly delicious and most of us don’t hesitate to get them when we are out and about (making them at home is another matter – while they are not overtly difficult to make most of us nonetheless think the process too complicated and messy). Burritos are basically flour tortillas that have been filled with meat, beans, vegetables (think lettuce and peppers for example), cheese, sour cream and salsa. The best thing about burritos is that you can pick and choose whatever ingredients you want.
Cheese and Crackers?
Cheese and crackers is just that – cheese and crackers. It is a simple dish and one that most of us eat as a snack. As far as snacks go, it is relatively healthy. You can choose whatever cheese you want (whether it is a hard cheese or a soft cheese) and whatever crackers you love (such as soda crackers or wholemeal crackers). If you are feeling fancy you can serve slices of cheese and crackers on a cutting board (perhaps with dried fruit or grapes) and even call it a charcuterie board.
Chicken and Dumplings?
Most of us love chicken. And most of us love dumplings. And what could be better than having the two separately? Having the two together, of course! Chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food and one that most of us love and turn to when we are feeling a little bit blue. Chicken and dumplings is very popular in the U.S. however it is also quite common in other parts of the world too. This dish is also quite easy to make which is always a plus.
