It's that time of the year: summer is behind us, and the holidays are poised to keep us scheduled and on-the-go. Whether it's just for a snack, a sit-down dinner, or a sweet bite with your favorite TV show, try one of these recipes for a hearty dose of comfort. Some will be easier than others, which will be a bit more of a time commitment for those of us who de-stress in the kitchen. And if none of these are what the doctor ordered, tell us what you make to keep your heart and belly happy.
Cheese and Potato Cigars
These may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about comfort food, but crispy dough + cheese + creamy potatoes is sort of definitely a comfort food. Serve these alongside your favorite dippers or condiments, if you love a dunk.
Pacific Seafood Chowder
This recipe is a favorite among students on cold Hyde Park, NY days. Creamy, but not too rich, this delicately flavored coconut curry-based chowder is cozy and warm. If you crave noodles, replace the potatoes with some cooked rice noodles before serving.
Garbanzo Guisados
This brothy chickpea stew is rich from the flavor of chorizo, squash, and rich stock, rounded out with acidic tomato and bright herbs. Serve it alongside tostones for dipping or spoon over rice.
Spicy Kimchi Stew
Stews are an obvious choice when you think about comfort foods, and this Korean-style spicy kimchi stew is a popular go-to around the world. Like all stews, this one is even better the next day.
Polenta with Sausage Sauce
With help from some dried mushrooms, this not-too-involved sausage sauce can be served over pasta or with bread for dunking, but we think it's perfectly matched with creamy, dreamy polenta.
Lamb Biryani
It's not a 15-minute dinner, but you won't mind once you sit down to this flavor-packed rice dish with tender lamb, warm spices, and sweet bites from dried fruits.
Gnocchi with Duck Ragoût
Another crowd-favorite from the halls of the CIA, this dish is in our DNA. You will love the pIllowy gnocchi coated in a savory, rich duck ragoût. Prepare this recipe in steps. If you would like to spread it out over a few days, make the ragoût first so you can reheat it to serve with the fresh gnocchi.
Curry Udon Noodles
Brothy noodles are sort of as good as it gets, and this version has the added bonus of a warming Japanese curry. Look for the curry at your local Asian market, typically sold as concentrated cubes in boxes, rather than jars or cans like curry pastes.
Sweet Potato, Sausage, and Kale Strata
We all love bread, so a bread casserole is bound to be a great feel-good recipe. We love this garlicky version, with sweet potato and sausage, with the added benefit of superfood kale. Use this as a base for other flavor combinations using odds and ends from the refrigerator.
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Bars
Every good cozy dinner should end with a sweet treat, and we think there isn't a more seasonally appropriate recipe than these sweet potato pecan pie bars that combine two of the season's best desserts into one bite-size delight.
