Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Comfort Food Can Be Healthy

By Chad Sarno, February 14, 2013  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Chad Sarno

Creamy Cashew "Risotto" with Butternut SquashHealthy eating can be so much more than just salads and tofu. By showcasing plant-based foods as the main course, you can feel the comfort of a hearty meal while doing your body good.

Stocking the Right Stuff

Let’s scan the aisles for comforting pantry and fridge staples. Having a variety of beans, grains, nuts, seeds, spices, whole grain pastas, veggie stocks, potatoes, squashes, root vegetables and dark greens on hand sets you up for success in the kitchen when your goal is filling, comforting meals.

Reach for Beans and Greens

Beans are one of those great staple ingredients that will ‘hearty’ up any soup, stew, pasta, casserole or salad. Next time you’re making a favorite gravy or red sauce, add a cup of your favorite beans. Check out this little video to discover the versatility of the magical fruit.  And any time you can incorporate dark greens into recipes, whether it be through soups, sauces, salads or pastas, the more nutrient kick you’ll get. Here’s a great blog and greens video showing the versatility of these dark leafy loves.

Now You’re Cookin’

Simple Black Bean SoupWhen it comes to comfort-food cooking methods, slow cooking, roasting, poaching, dehydrating, reducing and braising are all delicious options because they caramelize and concentrate ingredients to boost flavor. Extra busy this winter? Tap the magic of the slow cooker! There’s nothing better after a long day than the smell of a home-cooked meal waiting for you. Try Lentil Chili and simple Black Bean Soup.

Dreamy and Dairy-Free

Want something rich and warm on colder days? Try Creamy Cashew Risotto with Butternut Squash or Curried Tempeh with Sweet Potatoes. These recipes feature cashews and alternative milks to provide creaminess without dairy.

Next time you’re craving comfort food, think outside the macaroni box! Stock your kitchen with comforting staple ingredients and arm yourself with tasty recipes and these helpful videos, and you’ll discover how delicious plant foods can comfort your belly and feed your soul.

Tell me: what’s your go-to healthy comfort food?

 

12 Comments

Comments

Rob Z. says ...
I love healthy comfort food! Thanks for the inspirations!
02/15/2013 10:06:58 AM CST
Brenda Thompson says ...
Love the Lentil Chili recipe.
02/15/2013 2:39:43 PM CST
FoodieFood says ...
My go-to healthy comfort food is brownies made with red beans and ground flaxseed!
02/16/2013 5:25:05 PM CST
Raja says ...
Basic minimal food
02/18/2013 5:28:34 PM CST
Gloria Martin says ...
I love your Spicy Vegan Pumpkin Soup. How do I know when you have it in the store? Is there a specific day when you make it?
02/23/2013 7:25:48 PM CST
Nikki - Community Moderator says ...
@GLORIA - This decision is made at the store level. I would suggest reaching out to your local store to see if they have set days this will be available.
02/27/2013 12:19:29 PM CST
Desiree Reyes says ...
I love the chicken cacciatore!! Awesome comfort food! Where can I find the nutritional information? Thank you for making delicious food!
04/29/2013 8:31:26 PM CDT
Sheryl says ...
Just had an incredible lunch from the cold foods buffet bar; however, I would have liked to know the nutritional information of each dish. Can't find it anywhere on the net. Can someone help please?
05/13/2013 1:20:05 PM CDT
anne brissette says ...
I would love the recipe for the oyster, artichoke spinach soup that I buy in the seafood soup bar. Thanks Anne
05/14/2013 3:15:32 PM CDT
Nikki - Community Moderator says ...
@DESIREE - Check with your local store for nutritional info, if they have it, they will be happy to share it with you!
05/14/2013 4:01:15 PM CDT
Nikki - Community Moderator says ...
@SHERYL- We are in the works of gathering Prepared Foods and Bakery nutritional information at each store but might not have all of the information gathered on every product just yet. Check with your local store to see what info they have as of now!
05/14/2013 4:28:55 PM CDT
Nikki - Community Moderator says ...
@ANNE - Typically these soups are made in-house and vary between stores. Check with your local store to see if they have a recipe to share with you!
05/14/2013 4:30:01 PM CDT