Food

For many of us, turkey is a comfort food that recalls happy memories. This stew is one that is comforting both to make and to eat. Simmered slowly over a few hours, turkey drumsticks deliver rich flavour as well as a huge punch of protein. Tarragon gives it a fresh, bright pop of flavour that balances the earthy richness of the stew. Turkey contains high levels of B vitamins and selenium, as well as tryptophan, which has been explored in recent research for its role in the formation of the mood regulator serotonin. Leftover turkey You can also make this dish with leftover cooked turkey. Simply start the recipe by browning the leek and onion and adding stock, carrots, and parsnips. When the vegetables are tender, add cooked turkey and continue with the recipe

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food, and this plant-based version is no less so, incorporating miso and mushrooms for savoury goodness. Its crowning glory is the fragrant topping made with the winning combination of sweet potatoes and sage. Plus, it’s got a whopping amount of vitamin D, to help see you through these winter days. Make-ahead This recipe makes a large quantity. Because it is so freezer friendly, you can easily split this between two smaller casserole dishes and pop one in the freezer for another time.

What can be more heartwarming than pancakes? These pancakes are fun to make, pretty on the plate, and really pack a nutritional punch. The buckwheat and banana combination delivers delicious sweet and nutty flavour as well as 25 percent of your recommended daily helping of fibre, and plenty of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Prepping the pears Peel pears and slice them thinly along the vertical axis so that each slice is a cross section of the pear. Now split each piece down the centre. Remove the tough core as you get to the centre pieces. Keep each piece together with its partner so that it forms a pear shape that will form the centre of each pancake.

During these cold-weather months, nothing says comfort like warm spices including cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. They not only taste delicious, but will infuse your house with heavenly and inviting aromas. The crumble can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making this dessert quick and easy to prepare. Chai tea is a simple way to infuse intense flavour with minimal prep and effort. Dessert for breakfast? Double or triple this recipe and serve leftovers for a deliciously decadent breakfast. You’ll have them wondering what time it is—breakfast time or dessert time!

Move over potato; there are plenty of other vegetables vying for the title of comfort in a bowl! This combination is full of flavour and is silky smooth and creamy. If you’re a fan of humble celery, you’re going to love this dish. Switch it up Not a fan of celery root? Try this recipe with cauliflower instead, for a more subtle flavour.

The vegetables and mustard do most of the heavy lifting in this side dish with very few—flavour-packed—ingredients. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness, grainy mustard provides tangy zing, and crunchy, crispy edges add a smoky element that will leave you wanting more of this deceptively simple side dish. More is more Want more? For an added boost of colourful flavour, add some cherry tomatoes to this dish during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Here, we’re creating a traditional dish with a twist by ditching the boring old bread of typical stuffings and replacing it with the ancient grain barley. It’s still going to provide that familiar density, and it’s a great option for gluten-free diets. This next-level stuffing is plant based, but mushrooms and fennel add a delicious meatiness. Freeze those grains Did you know that barley freezes well? Make large batches and pop portions into the freezer to add to soups and dishes mid-week for an easy, healthy meal.

Stay traditional and go with turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, but simplify things with these bite-size meatballs. Though small, they pack a punch of big flavours to rival any main attraction. Paired with a tart cranberry sauce and loaded with warm spices, this dish allows you to ditch the big bird this Thanksgiving. Bonus? You can freeze your extra meatballs to enjoy at a later date. Herbalicious Fresh herbs are always lovely to use but they’re not always available. Dried herbs will lend the same flavour and may be more convenient, plus they last longer in your pantry. A general guide: 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh = 1 tsp (5 mL) dried.

Sumac––an essential addition to the Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar––brightens up this savoury and creamy salad with its punchy, lemony flavour. If sumac is hard to find, feel free to substitute with za-atar. Zero-waste cooking Don’t throw out the broccoli leaves! Those greens can be blanched along with the florets and peeled stems. They’re chock full of nutrients, just like beet greens. While it’s rare to find broccoli with big leaves still attached outside of a farmers’ market or farm stand, even small leaves are worth tossing into the salad rather than throwing away.

If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to get a heap more greens into yourself (or a hesitant friend, partner, or child, for that matter), consider this: stuffing them into patties reminiscent of savoury pancakes. The sweet-and-sour apple cider vinegar complements the warm, nutty softness of the patties. You’ll be amazed at how fast a bunch of beet greens will disappear. Swapping sauces for the sweet tooth or chili lover While the bright green salsa verde adds extra vitamins, the Crispy Chili Oil from the soba noodles with Brussels sprouts brings a tingle of heat instead.

The combination of sweet raisins, salty capers, and savoury pine nuts turns this simple side into a thing of beauty. If you don’t have beet greens, use any hardy greens, from chard to collards to chicory (even though they don’t start with a “B”). Toasted pine nuts Untoasted nuts will be bland, so toast them by baking them in a 350 F (190 C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden. Or, if you’re brave, heat them in a small skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or so, shaking the pan frequently so they don’t burn. For a nut-free alternative, use toasted sunflower seeds.

Start off your dinner with an appetizer of earthy, creamy truffle hummus. A little truffle oil brings this simple hummus to a new and luxurious level that your guests are going to love. The smoked paprika is a perfect pairing for the earthy mushroom. Top with some sautéed mushrooms to make it feel extra holiday special. Waste not … Think twice about pouring your canned chickpea liquid down the drain; it’s pure liquid gold! Not only is it a good substitute for egg whites, making it ideal for plant-based diets, but it also increases moisture in dishes, reducing the amount of oil required.

Smoky Brussels sprouts and a crunchy topping are the trick to this comforting buckwheat noodle dish. If you don’t have a grill, you can stir-fry the sprouts in a high-heat skillet for 2 minutes to char them, then roast them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway through. Heat lovers should make a double batch of the chili oil, since it’ll keep for a few months in the fridge—and you’ll likely want to put it on everything. Avoiding allergens Peanuts are a great substitute for sesame seeds in the crispy chili oil, but if you wish to avoid sesame and nuts, use hulled and salted sunflower seeds instead. To avoid gluten, check ingredient labels and be sure to choose 100 percent buckwheat noodles. Although buckwheat is naturally wheat free, most buckwheat noodles are made with a combination of buckwheat and wheat for texture.

This Asian-inspired stir-fry takes full advantage of the crunch Brussels sprouts achieve when they’re heated quickly. The sweet-and-sour sauce delivers a tangy edge, and tempeh offers plant-based protein and a blast of umami. If you want meat in the dish, you can replace tempeh with ground pork. Ready, set, go Stir-frying is a cooking method that thrives on speed. That means you want to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go into the pan. That also means no chopping on the fly.

This bright and colourful bowl is packed with nutritious ingredients, each delicious on its own—but even better together! The fresh crispiness of the snap peas combined with the creaminess of the nori ranch dressing brings everything together for a simple and well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Make it to go Skip the heat and prep these bowls for an away-from-home lunch. In 2 glass containers, divide and layer bowl ingredients and top each with dressing and lid; store in the fridge for no longer than 2 days. Don’t forget an icepack!

Two fall stalwarts—rutabaga and Swiss chard—team up to bring seasonal flavour to these baked savoury cakes. A topping of velvety cashew cream adds a little extra spark. Rutabaga burgers, anyone? You can also prepare these cakes burger-style in a skillet. Simply form rutabaga and chard mixture into burger-sized patties and cook in greased skillet over medium-high, until golden brown on both sides.

If you’re feeling a bit burnt out when it comes to your typical morning repast, consider pivoting to this bowl of nutrition and quintessential fall flavours. It might just be the cozy sweater of the breakfast world. If you need extra energy to power your day, you can scatter on some crunchy granola. The sweet potato mixture can be made a day or two in advance and reheated in the microwave before serving. Pick of the crops For sautéing purposes, you want to use pears that keep their shape when heated. Bosc and Anjou are two good options. Fuji, Cortland, Honeycrisp, and Empire are excellent apple choices for heating in the skillet, as they won’t turn too mushy.

A plant-based spinoff of shepherd’s pie makes an ideal use for those surplus starches. Flavour-rich shiitake mushrooms and saucy lentils meet creamy potatoes in a protein-filled and satisfying comfort meal packed with nutrition and perfect for any cool-weather dinner. Mash it up Do you have other kinds of leftover mash on hand? Any mash befits the top of this comfort food. Try substituting potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes or yams. For lower carb options, try celeriac or cauliflower mash!

Tacos need not be only about Mexican flavours. Here, tender trout is adorned with a seasonal slaw and a punchy yogurt sauce. Dare we say, a taco night with serious photo appeal. Salmon or Arctic char are good stand-ins for the trout. Pile it on To transform these tacos into bowl food, omit tortillas and place cooked brown rice, quinoa, or sorghum in serving bowls and top with fish, slaw, and yogurt sauce.

Repurposing leftover quinoa is made easy with a rich and tangy dressing in this fibre-filled, protein-forward fare. Perfect on its own, or try it wrapped in a leaf of romaine. Quick soak For a smoother and creamier dressing without a high-speed blender, try a quick stovetop soak. Place cashews in small pot and add enough water to cover them by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Bring to a simmering boil on medium heat, cover with lid, remove from heat, and let sit for 20 minutes. Drain cashews, add to dressing ingredients, and blend.

A bounty of grilled vegetables melds Mediterranean flavours with creamy goat cheese in a simple and tasty egg dish. When paired with a green salad, this frittata effortlessly transforms those extra vegetables into a light and satisfying dinner. Extra fluff Fancy a fluffier frittata? Try whisking a pinch of baking soda into egg mixture just before adding it to the skillet.

Yes, when in peak season and peak flavour, you can enjoy butternut squash raw. Ribbons of its sweet buttery flesh bejewelled with pomegranate and pumpkin seeds make for a vibrant salad that is much easier to put together than its good looks would suggest. And an orange marinade is the secret flavour booster in this recipe. The longer the squash marinates, the more tender it will become, making this a good make-ahead salad option. Underwater aril magic To avoid painting your kitchen red when removing seeds (arils) from a pomegranate, cut the fruit into quarters and then submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Break seeds away from the white, pithy part of the fruit while underwater. Drain and retain seeds.

Have ripe banana s? The browner = the better. Nutritious and fluffy, this banana bread is also school friendly, as it’s free from common allergens like eggs, dairy, and nuts. Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free source of protein, fiber, and iron. See the recipe video here. What’s in a name? Garbanzo, gram, or cici bean flour—these are all alternative names for chickpea flour.