Things just got real here in Southern California.
It's beginning to look a lot like "winter" (at least Southern California's equivalent of winter). After having summer in December (and most of January), I was starting to wonder if winter would ever come. Well, I am happy to say that we have been blessed with some rain today and it is reasonably "cold" outside (again, cold for our standards).
So...this weather, while making me want to stay inside all day, has me dreaming of some delicious comfort food. Here are a few of good recipes I have bookmarked (all of which are either vegan or could be made vegan with a few easy substitutions):
It's beginning to look a lot like "winter" (at least Southern California's equivalent of winter). After having summer in December (and most of January), I was starting to wonder if winter would ever come. Well, I am happy to say that we have been blessed with some rain today and it is reasonably "cold" outside (again, cold for our standards).
So...this weather, while making me want to stay inside all day, has me dreaming of some delicious comfort food. Here are a few of good recipes I have bookmarked (all of which are either vegan or could be made vegan with a few easy substitutions):
Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
There is something about typically kid-friendly recipes that makes them comforting. Sloppy Joes is no exception. Maybe it's the simplicity? Or maybe it's the sloppiness...? Maybe it's because they have a funny name. Either way, my mom used to make me Sloppy Joes when I was a kid.
But, Sloppy Joes can be made for adults too- even ones that don't eat meat! Here's a great meatless version featuring one of my favorite legumes, lentils.
While I am absolutely in love with everything about lentils, I never thought to use them in Sloppy Joes. How could I not? Now that I think about it, I really can't think of a better substitute for this classic dish. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: food52
But, Sloppy Joes can be made for adults too- even ones that don't eat meat! Here's a great meatless version featuring one of my favorite legumes, lentils.
While I am absolutely in love with everything about lentils, I never thought to use them in Sloppy Joes. How could I not? Now that I think about it, I really can't think of a better substitute for this classic dish. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: food52
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Add sweet potato to any recipe and, BAM, instant comfort-food!
I bet you didn't think to ever put sweet potato in a taco, eh? And, how can you go wrong with tacos?
This recipe features other amazing flavors and textures (courtesy of spicy black beans, crunchy pepitas and tangy avocado) in order to properly showcase the true versatility of the sweet potato. Remove the cheese to make it vegan.
Are you hungry yet? Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: Cookie and Kate
I bet you didn't think to ever put sweet potato in a taco, eh? And, how can you go wrong with tacos?
This recipe features other amazing flavors and textures (courtesy of spicy black beans, crunchy pepitas and tangy avocado) in order to properly showcase the true versatility of the sweet potato. Remove the cheese to make it vegan.
Are you hungry yet? Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: Cookie and Kate
Mushroom Stroganoff
Stroganoff may not be the most glamorous of recipes (and not all comfort food is!), but it is one of my favorite dishes. It's another one my mom used to make me all the time.
It's a Russian pasta dish that traditionally includes a beef and mushroom cream sauce, but I think all you need is the mushrooms to give it enough meatiness. If you want a little more "meatiness", you could try adding some Gardein beefless strips. Like what you see? Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: 86 Lemons
It's a Russian pasta dish that traditionally includes a beef and mushroom cream sauce, but I think all you need is the mushrooms to give it enough meatiness. If you want a little more "meatiness", you could try adding some Gardein beefless strips. Like what you see? Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: 86 Lemons
Cauliflower 'N Cheese Bake
According to some sources, cauliflower is the new kale.
This may or may not be true (don't tell Kale) but, I think we can all agree that cauliflower is still really awesome and deserving of our attention.
Here we have cauliflower starring in a very cheezy role of epic proportions. This dish looks a lot like the comforting classic, mac 'n cheese, but don't let it fool you. Pasta is replaced by cauliflower; making this dish healthier than old-school mac 'n cheese, but just as delicious. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: Mind Body Green.
This may or may not be true (don't tell Kale) but, I think we can all agree that cauliflower is still really awesome and deserving of our attention.
Here we have cauliflower starring in a very cheezy role of epic proportions. This dish looks a lot like the comforting classic, mac 'n cheese, but don't let it fool you. Pasta is replaced by cauliflower; making this dish healthier than old-school mac 'n cheese, but just as delicious. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: Mind Body Green.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sticky Buns
Sticky Buns are another one of my personal favorites. Usually a holiday staple, they are a perfect winter-time treat for cold months.
I love the addition of pumpkin, as well. The fibrous goodness of pureed pumpkin is guaranteed to fill you up and warm your belly.
Also, the addition of pumpkin puree adds a lot of much-needed moisture and softness to baked goods that might otherwise turn out to be very dry. Now that I'm done singing the praises of pumpkin, I'll let you see for yourself. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: The Vegan Cookbook Aficionado.
I love the addition of pumpkin, as well. The fibrous goodness of pureed pumpkin is guaranteed to fill you up and warm your belly.
Also, the addition of pumpkin puree adds a lot of much-needed moisture and softness to baked goods that might otherwise turn out to be very dry. Now that I'm done singing the praises of pumpkin, I'll let you see for yourself. Get the recipe here.
Photo and recipe source: The Vegan Cookbook Aficionado.
What do you think about these recipes? Do you have any favorite comfort foods to add?
-S&P
-S&P