As a chef and caterer, my professional life revolves around food, from grand events to intimate gatherings. Yet, amidst the hustle, I consistently find myself drawn back to the simple comfort of my own kitchen. For me, comfort food is more than just eating; it’s the act of cooking itself. This process, when embraced, can anchor us in the present, offering a moment of peace and restoration amidst the daily rush. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to preparing and enjoying comfort food can be incredibly therapeutic, a true medicine for the soul.
My personal comfort food favorites are diverse and span different cuisines, reflecting the broad spectrum of dishes that can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. These include rich and decadent Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, hearty and satisfying Chicken Lasagna, and the surprisingly comforting and wholesome Vegan Pot Pie. These dishes, and many others, represent the essence of comfort food – providing not just physical sustenance, but emotional solace.
Feel Better Chicken Soup
50+ Fall Dishes
Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)
Chicken Pot Pie
Eggplant Lasagna
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Spinach Lasagna
Traditional Lasagna Recipe
Rosemary Chicken Lasagna
Polenta Lasagna
Moussaka
Baked Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Kale
Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake)
Baked Ziti
Roasted Poblano Enchiladas
Butternut Squash Enchiladas
Farmer’s Market Vegetarian Enchiladas
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Green Enchiladas (Enchiladas Verde)
Enchilada Casserole
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Defining Comfort Food: More Than Just a Meal
What exactly is comfort food? For me, the essence of comfort food lies in its ability to evoke cherished memories, often transporting us back to the warmth of childhood. It could be that special birthday dinner your parents lovingly prepared, your grandmother’s nurturing chicken noodle soup, or any nostalgic dish that resonates with your personal history. Comfort food is profoundly connected to our emotions, making its definition deeply individual.
While some might associate comfort food with unhealthy indulgence, I believe this is a misconception. Comfort food doesn’t have to be synonymous with unhealthy eating. In fact, some of my most comforting dishes are rooted in healthy traditions. For example, my personal Comfort Foods include my father’s hearty lentil soup and my mother’s vibrant tabouli. These dishes, filled with wholesome ingredients and rich in flavor, instantly bring me back to the feeling of home. They prove that comfort foods can be both nourishing and emotionally satisfying, offering a sense of well-being that extends far beyond mere physical fullness.
