Showing Results for: “comfort foods”

There are a couple ways to shave Brussels sprouts. One way to do it is by hand—just trim the stem-end of each sprout so that it sits flat on a cutting board. Then, using a chef's knife, cut it into very thin slices. (Trimming the end prevents it from rolling around.) Another way is to use a food processor. Simply place the sprouts in the chute and let the slicing attachment do the work!

This creamy pumpkin pasta is a comforting diabetes-friendly meal for a brisk autumn night. This high fiber recipe is vegetarian, but you can try adding a lean protein like chicken for more protein. Plus, the leftovers make an easy meal the next day!

Peruvian saltado is traditionally made with beef, but this healthier version uses chicken without sacrificing traditional flavors. It's a rustic, fast, and comforting recipe that can easily be doubled for a crowd (or for leftovers).

Comfort food can be enjoyed even if you want to cook healthier. Phyllo dough makes a fabulously crispy top crust without the fat. Garlic mashed potatoes make a great alternative top “crust.” This recipe from The Stress Free Kitchen , by Barbara Seelig-Brown. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here .

Pair these braised beans and fennel with a side of a chicken for a complete, comforting meal.

Grain, protein, and vegetable bowls are popular now, and once you taste this one, you will understand why. It is a nourishing bowl that combines the comfort of chicken soup with the color and flavor of fresh vegetables. You can also customize the bowl to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. If you are out of brown rice you can substitute cooked quinoa, farro or whole grain couscous. You might also top your bowl with chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers. And, if you enjoy spicy food, increase the red pepper flakes.

The potato is the star of this comfort-food side dish, but a nonstarchy vegetable plays a surprising supporting role. The result is light and luscious. Smart Swaps: The original mashed potato recipe (serving size: 1/2 cup) had 130 calories, 8 g fat (4.7 g sat. fat, 0.3 g trans fat), 15 g carbohydrate, and 770 mg sodium. * Mashing options: Put the mixture through a ricer or a food processor for a smooth mash. Mash with a potato masher for a coarse mash. Veggie Helper: Cauliflower, which has less starch than potato, helps cut in half the carbohydrate grams in this dish. Less Fat: Fat-free

Fresh berries (a true power food!) and a dollop of creamy topping let you enjoy summer by the spoonful. This yummy dessert takes only five minutes to prepare.

Pesto means paste in Italian. The original Genovese pesto was made using a mortar and pestle so the texture was not perfectly smooth. Be careful when using your food processor not to overmix. For a lower-fat or thinner version of pesto, you can replace some of the oil with chicken or vegetable stock. (Pictured here with Red Pepper Coulis and Rosemary Balsamic Onions.)

Chef's Secret : I use my food processor with steel blade to prepare the dough. The food processor does the kneading. Try to find the white whole-wheat flour, as it is lighter in color, texture, and taste than the traditional red whole-wheat flour. Measure the temperature of the water with your meat thermometer. When working with yeast, water temperature is critical for proper rising. The correct temperature is 110–120ºF.