Comfort foods are those dishes that bring you joy and make you feel secure. They evoke pleasant memories, while fulfilling some basic physiological needs like releasing dopamine – the body’s feel-good neurotransmitter.
Food choices can often reflect a person’s culture, upbringing or eating habits. Some dishes, like pizza and hot dogs, have cultural roots while others – like chocolate chip cookies or mac and cheese – are universally comforting.
Shrimp and Grits
Grits and shrimp are a signature Lowcountry cuisine staple in coastal Carolinas and Georgia, often served for breakfast or lunch. It’s an easy-to-prepare classic comfort food recipe that tastes fantastic.
Cooking grits is a straightforward process, though it’s essential to whisk in the liquid gradually so there are no lumps. Once they’re cooked through, stir in some butter and cheese before transferring them to a bowl.
Making the sauce for shrimp is a cinch. A quick saute of garlic, green onions, and crisp bacon creates an irresistibly flavorful accompaniment that’s spooned over creamy cheddar grits.
Shrimp and grits is a dish that has gained national popularity, but its origins can be traced back to Charleston. Chef Robert Stehling learned the original recipe while working alongside Bill Neal at Crook’s Corner and Hominy Grill; it was his interpretation of it that propelled shrimp and grits onto restaurant menus nationwide.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many main dishes. Their delicious taste can be enhanced by adding ingredients like garlic, herbs, spices or cheese for an extra special touch.
Mashed potatoes come in two flavors: light and fluffy or creamy and dense. Either way, these beloved American side dishes make for a nutritious part of any balanced diet – just remember to exercise portion control when serving them as an accompaniment!
For delicious mashed potatoes, select the right variety of potato. Starchy varieties like Russet Burbank or Yukon Gold potatoes make for ideal potatoes for this purpose.
When boiling potatoes, it’s best to use cold water so they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Additionally, adding some salt to the water before cooking can help prevent potatoes from becoming too soft or hard.
Once the potatoes are done, drain them thoroughly and allow to sit for a few minutes to release any moisture. Then, mash them with butter and milk until smooth .
Johnny Marzetti
Johnny Marzetti is one of Ohio’s beloved comfort foods, featuring pasta, ground beef and cheese in a casserole. Not only is this dish easy to make but it makes an excellent meal for your family.
This comforting cheese-topped noodle casserole has been a beloved family recipe for generations. You can prepare it either in the oven or your slow cooker.
This dish, baked in a casserole dish, is composed of ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce and cheese. It’s renowned for its delectable taste and capacity to feed large groups.
Teresa Marzetti created this delicious dish in her Columbus, Ohio restaurant and quickly gained popularity across Ohio and the Midwest due to its ease of preparation, inexpensive price point, and delectable taste.
Smothered Chicken
Smothered chicken is an indulgent Southern dish that involves pan-frying chicken pieces and then covering them in a creamy gravy. This recipe offers complete satisfaction and makes for the ideal comforting meal.
This recipe is an effortless, budget-conscious comfort food your family will love! All you need are some basic pantry ingredients to whip up this tasty meal in no time.
Enjoy this classic soul food dish on its own or serve it over mashed potatoes or brown butter rice. The succulent smothered chicken combined with the velvety-smooth gravy is sure to please everyone in your family!
