7 Delicious Comfort Food Ideas for Joyful Quarantine Cuisine

1. Soups and Stews, the Heart and Soul of Comfort Food

There’s simply nothing like a bowl of hearty Beef Bourguignon or a plate of fragrant Spanish Garlic-Bread Soup to warm the cockles of your heart (and stomach).

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try this delicious Italian White Bean Soup or incredibly simple but satisfying Pumpkin-Ginger Soup.

And few people can turn down a great chili—try Rainy Night Chili, spiced with the smoky kick of poblano pepper.

sopa de ajo (spanish garlic bread soup)

2. What’s Comfort Food without a little Starch and Carbs?

Those old standbys of beans, rice, pasta, and potatoes are as tempting as ever, especially when they’re draped in cheese or cocooned in cream. But they don’t need to all be coma-carb heavy.

Try these comfort food ideas:

• Gorgeous pasta with macadamia-nut sauce from Kahumana Farm in Hawaii,
• Traditional New England baked beans,
• Pure comfort food in the form of Potato Gratin with Leeks and Turnips,
• Or this easy, delicious Cauliflower Fried Rice,
• And of course, this lovely Carrot and Red Lentil Curry.

carrot and red lentil curry

3. Roast Some Things for a Warm and Toasty Comfort and Joy

With all the root vegetables in season now and for the next few months, one of the best and easiest ways to prepare them is to slice them; toss them with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs; arrange them in a baking pan; and roast them for an hour or so.

Try Roasted Squash with Potatoes and Garlic or Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic (don’t worry, it’s really not scary as it sounds, just heart-wrenchingly delicious).

Or, for a delightful surprise, Roasted Cauliflower with Endive and Lemon.

chicken with 40 cloves of garlic

4. Of Course, Don’t Forget those Old “Standbys…”

Make a meatloaf or a main dish that makes delicious leftovers. Who doesn’t like meatloaf? Well, even if you don’t, this one just might change your mind.

Of course, there’s always that old standby—Shepherd’s Pie.

shepherd’s pie

5. Let’s Be Honest. Sometimes, Fried Food Just Makes Life Feel Better!

It’s pretty hard to beat fat. Try this tasty twist on the traditional potato pancake, the latke: Sweet Potato and Carrot Latkes.

Or these little delectable Vegetable Fritters, which is a great way to use up your leftover roast or cooked root vegetables.

sweet potato latkes

6. Mamma Always Said: “Eat Your Veggies.”

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, try this Spinach Souffle, or Lemon-Walnut Green Beans, or this gorgeous Fennel Salad with Pomegranate, Feta, and Sumac.

fennel salad with pomegranate seeds, feta, and sumac

And Remember: “Life Is Uncertain; Eat Dessert First.”

It’s pretty hard to beat a great pie, especially if it’s Paul’s Bartlett Pear and Black Pepper Pie or this Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Walnut Streusel.

Or this surprisingly low-fat but utterly delicious Sweet Potato Custard, made with sweet potatoes and banana.

If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping accompaniment to ice cream, look no further than our Applesauce with Bourbon, Sour Cherries, and Hazelnuts.

And for a surprise, try this Apple-Chile Cobbler, warmed by roasted chiles and sweetened with brown sugar.

apple-chile cobbler

For more incredible, delicious, and easy recipes, visit our searchable recipe directory. Better yet, order a copy of Bounty from the Box: The CSA Farm Cookbook, which walks you through the seasons and how to cook and enjoy nearly 100 different fruits and vegetables.

Do you know someone who is just learning how to cook? Want to join a CSA farm box membership next year? Do you need to eat better and more healthfully? Bounty from the Box might just be the perfect companion to introduce you to a whole new world of eating or help you enjoy your favorite produce even more.

Here’s wishing you a safe, lovely holiday from all of us at Bounty from the Box!