15 Soul-Cheering Comfort Foods

We all have foods we want to eat that cheer us up or remind us of home, especially when you are away. By nature, it's usually a simple, cosy preparation that you grew up eating and are familiar with. Here's a delighful collection.

Pic: Kind courtesy J/Wikimedia Commons

Rajma Chawal

Sangita Agrawal brings you her flavoursome, homey yet dhaba-style delight that pairs perfectly with hot, fluffy steamed rice.

Please find the recipe here: Rajma Chawal

Pic: Kind courtesy Barthateslisa/Wikimedia Commons

Dal Chawal

Is there anything offering as much timeless comfort on a plate than soft, steaming rice with a bowl of spiced dal. Recipe by Deepa Mehrotra & Ashish Mehrotra.  Simple and forever satisfying.

Please find the recipe here: Dal Chawal

Pic: Deepa Mehrotra and Ashish Mehrotra for Rediff

Sambar Rice

Pair Divya Nair's wholesome bowl of lentils, tamarind, veggies, and spices with plain rice, ghee, pickle and you’ve got a meal that’s hearty, nourishing, healthy too.

Please find the recipe here: Sambar Rice

Pic: Kind courtesy Miansari66/Wikimedia Commons

Idlis

Pillowy idlis are as soft as they are warming. Buttery too. Their true magic shines through when paired with fresh, creamy coconut chutney.

Please find the recipe here: Idlis

Pic: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Mac & Cheese

Chef Linda Dalrymple's luscious mac & cheese is infused with smoky chorizo, fresh tomatoes, and bold spices. It’s her flavour-packed take on America’s fave comfort dish.

Please find the recipe here: Mac & Cheese

Pic: Kind courtesy MasterChef Australia

Chicken Mushroom Soup

When we are sick we crave chicken soup. Aditi Bose shares her quick and happiness-producing chicken soup with mushrooms, ginger, pepper, perfect for hectic days. Or when you are ill.

Please find the recipe here: Chicken Mushroom Soup

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Cajsa Lilliehook/Wikimedia Commons

Goan Chicken Stew

Shane D’Souza whips up this dish with juicy boneless chicken and soft boiled macaroni, all simmered together in a chicken broth. The result? What they call a hug in a bowl -- so homely.

Please find the recipe here: Goan Chicken Stew

Pic: Kind courtesy veenapatwardhan.com

Maach Bhaat

Swarupa Dutt shares her flavour-rich Maachher Kaalia -- a Bengali fish curry slow-cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, and a generous amount of tomatoes. Pair it with steamed rice and it’s nothing short of divine.

Please find the recipe here: Maach Bhaat

Pic: Swarupa Dutt for Rediff.com

Panta Bhaat

On the stage of MasterChef Australia’s finale, Chef Kishwar Chowdhury showcased her version of soul-warming Panta Bhaat. This humble Bengali classic instantly stole the spotlight, and ever since, it’s been making waves everywhere.

Please find the recipe here: Panta Bhaat

Pic: Kind courtesy MasterChef Australia

Aloo Bhaat

When you’re pressed for time, Bethica Das suggests a quick yet heavenly fix. Also known as Aloo Bhorta, mashed potatoes is mixed with spices and served with rice -- a fuss-free, yum meal.

Please find the recipe here: Aloo Bhaat

Pic: Bethica Das for Rediff

Thayir Sadam/Dahi Rice

Zelda Pande brings you the Tamil classic -- a spicy and refreshing curd rice recipe, enriched with tiny cucumber pieces and tangy green mango bits. It's eaten with vadams and pickle.

Please find the recipe here: Thayir Sadam/Dahi Rice

Pic: Suresh Daniel for Rediff

Idli Upma

Divya Nair transforms leftover idlis into a quick, tasty Upma. Lightly spiced and stir-fried, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort and creativity.

Please find the recipe here: Idli Upma

Pic: Kind courtesy Nandhinikandhasamy/Wikimedia Commons

Lemon Rice

Chef Tarun Deepak shares his vibrant and zesty take on Lemon Rice -- fluffy grains infused with tangy lemon juice, tempered spices, that instantly lifts the mood.

Please find the recipe here: Lemon Rice

Pic: Taruna Deepak for Rediff.com

Moong Dal Khichdi

Khichdi is another hands-down winner when it comes to soothing food. Right? Asiya offers a recipe for simple, nourishing Moong Dal Khichdi. It's light on the stomach, easy to cook.

Please find the recipe here: Khichdi

Pic: Asiya for Rediff.com

Spinach Dal

Unfussy but full of taste, Mayur makes a basic dal and enlivens it with a tempering of special light spices and wholesome palak.

Please find the recipe here: Spinach Dal

Pic: Mayur Sanap for Rediff
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