Now and again we could all do with some comfort food on a rainy day or when we are feeling a little under the weather. There’s something about a big bowl of pasta or a pizza which seems to make us feel relaxed and happy, and it can be a great option for us when we are in need of some energy and carbs.
Today we are taking a look at some recipes for amazing comfort foods which you should definitely try this month.
Tomato Soup in a bread bowl
The first recipe on this list is super simple and it is also one of the easiest things for you to whip up when you are cold and in need of something warm and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 punnets vine tomatoes
- 1 red onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 1 large chest of bread
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4-6 slices sharp cheddar
To start this recipe, place the tomatoes, onion, 2 of the garlic cloves and basil onto a baking tray with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for around 30-40 minutes, then blend along with tomato puree and cream.
Meanwhile, take a large chest of bread and cut into it to create a bowl. Mix melted butter and garlic and brush this over the bread, and lay some slices of cheese into the bowl. Bakre for 10 minutes covered with foil until the cheese is melted. Pour in your soup and enjoy!
Mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is one of those foods which is ideal for a day when you want to eat your weight in pasta and sit in front of the TV for hours watching your favourite films. This recipe is a classic and will satisfy your cheesy cravings for at least a week.
Ingredients:
- 500g elbow macaroni (or your favourite pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 650ml milk
- 1 cup cheddar
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1 cup parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
To start off this recipe, boil your pasta until cooked and set it aside. Meanwhile, melt your butter in a pan, and once melted add the flour to make a thick paste. Cook for 30 seconds or so and then slowly start to add milk while stirring. The aim is to dissolve the paste and create a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Next up, add the cheddar cheese, and add half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan. Add garlic and nutmeg and taste. If you think you need more cheese, add extra cheddar to the mix, we want to save the other cheeses for baking. When you are happy with the sauce, add in the pasta and mix. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top and bake for 20-30 minutes.
Loaded chicken jalapeño fries
Loaded fries are a thing of beauty and they are often what we will reach for when we want to sit down and watch a football game with our friends. These loaded fries have a little element of spice which makes them ideal for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 350ml milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar
- 2 slices bacon, cooked
- 300g shredded chicken
- 4 whole jalapeños
- Fries
To kick off this recipe you will want to take 4 whole jalapeño chillis and use your gas hob or a blowtorch to blacken them all over. Once you have done this you can remove the seeds and chop them finely. In a pan, add butter and melt, followed by flour to make a paste, and then milk to make a sauce. Add cheddar cheese,bacon, chicken and chillis. Stir and simmer while the fries cook in the oven. Pour over your fries and dig in!
Spaghetti and meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish in italy and across the world, and today we are going to share with you an amazing version which will be ideal for your next end of week treat meal as a family.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, finely diced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 bunch basil
- 400g spaghetti
- Cheese for serving
To form the meatballs, add your mince, half the onion, parmesan, breadcrumbs and egg into a bowl and mix. Form small balls of meat and then set these into a pan where they will start to brown on all sides. Meanwhile, sweat the remaining onion and garlic in a pan, add the chopped tomatoes, basil and tomato puree, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once this is done, add your browned meatballs to the pan and cook for 30-40 minutes. Boil some pasta, serve with 3-4 meatballs and sprinkle some cheese on top for a final flair!
Burger and chips
For a great burger and chips you could choose to head to a great takeaway and look at the up to date Sonic Menu Prices, however making it at home can be simpler than you think and it will be super tasty too!
Ingredients:
- 500g beef mince
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
- Ketchup
- Gherkins
- Diced onion
- American cheese
For amazing burgers all you need is great quality minced beef and salt and pepper. Form your beef with salt and pepper into a burger, and place onto a hot oiled pan to fry. Fry for 3-4 minutes then flip, and once you have cooked the second side for 3-4 minutes, add a slice of american cheese on top and let it melt into the burger. Toast your burger buns if you want to.
To assemble a burger start with your beef patty and cheese, sprinkle some diced onions on top, add a gherkin slice or two and then finish with some ketchup. Once you have done this, add your bun on top and enjoy with some crispy chips or fries. You can of course change your toppings depending on your preference and you can also double up with two patties on top of eachother to make a huge double cheeseburger.
Tortellini Bake
Tortellini is an ultimate comfort food dish, and whether you choose to have it stuffed with cheese, spinach and ricotta or something else, it is perfect for a night when you want to sit down in front of the TV and enjoy something warming.
Ingredients:
- 400g tortellini
- 250g beef mince
- 400 ml passata
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 bunch basil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella
Start off by browning mince in a pan and cooking it through. Add the passata and chopped tomatoes,and chopped basil, and simmer for 10 minutes. To assemble your tortellini bake, place half of the sauce in a dish, followed by half of the tortellini. Cover with 1 cup of mozzarella and half a cup of parmesan. Add the rest of the sauce, pasta and cheese, and bake in the oven for around 40 minutes until bubbling through and golden.
Loaded nachos
One of the things we can do when it comes to a comfort evening is simply take a whole pile of nachos and cover them in as many toppings as we can… which is exactly what we are going to do!
Ingredients:
- 500g beef mince
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 3 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 100 ml water
- 2 large bags tortilla chips (or doritos)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Start off by cooking off the beef mince in a pan. Once cooked, add spices, beans, water and simmer for 20 minutes to make an awesome chilli. To assemble the nachos, start with half a bag of tortilla chips, spoon on some chilli, salsa, guacamole and cheese. Layer up until you are at the top and add cheese, then microwave for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted. Take out and add some guacamole and sour cream!
With all of these delicious comfort food options, there’s no reason to ever be hungry!
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