What do you consider to be a comfort food? My idea of a comfort food is a food that makes you feel warm on those cold nights, maybe even some summer nights. It is the type of food that technically, makes you feel better on days you are down, makes you feel as if you are home (when you are not), takes you down memory lane, back to childhood or can be utilized as a pick me up. Whatever your story, everyone differs and has their main comfort food, which could range from chocolate, ice-cream to macaroni and cheese. My top comfort foods that come to mind are soup and chicken pot pie.
Those cold nights that are right upon us, nothing is better than a big bowl of soup. My favorites are Chicken Noodle Soup, Minestrone Soup, and Manhattan Clam Chowder and please, do not forget the crackers or Italian bread on the side. Always start your soup with a mirepoix (onions, celery, and carrots) in a little cooking oil. The fragrance from these three vegetables will have you on your way to making this comfort food like a pro. I like to throw some dumplings and potatoes in my chicken noodle soup, so I can skip the bread as summer will be here in no time and there are enough carbs in the dumplings and potatoes. My waistline will say “thank you” when trying to squeeze into my clothes. At times, I might want to change things up and add gnocchi which can be added to either soup.
I’ve played with the Minestrone Soup recipe and depending on your taste buds, you can add a little red pepper flakes for that extra kick, or if you are like my son who adds hot sauce to everything, do whatever your heart desires! Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Stay warm! Bye now!
Aunt Carmen
