Our Favorite Healthy Comfort Food Cravings

Posted on November 13 2019

Our Favorite Healthy Comfort Food Cravings

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this season of gratefulness has got us in the mood to savor the flavors of autumn all month long. Because there's nothing quite like sitting around the table with family, friends and sumptuous food, if you're on the lookout for tasty new sides to accompany your turkey this year, today on Zeena Uncovered, our team has compiled our favorite healthy comfort food recipes to make your Turkey Day one to remember.

 

Baked Kafta with Rice

Sometimes nicknamed "Mediterranean Meatloaf", if you enjoy cooking with your kids, kafta is simple, fun and easy to prepare. In our home, we grew up eating this dish at least once or twice a month and find that it's one of those recipes you'll eventually learn to make with your eyes closed. Traditionally made with lean ground beef, you'll find that ground turkey is also a great, low-fat alternative. With only a few ingredients and all the wonderful heartiness of homemade stew, in less than an hour, you'll find yourself sinking your teeth into this cozy, mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

  • 85/15% or 80/20% lean fat ground beef
  • 1 grated onion
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric
  • 2 whole carrots
  • 2 potatoes
  • 1-2 cans of V8 tomato juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil & fresh parsley to garnish
  • 2 cups of rice (or couscous)
  • Organic plain yogurt

To begin, grate the onion in a large bowl and drain the liquid. Add the ground beef and spices, then thoroughly mix with your hands. Shape into oval-shaped kafta pieces and arrange them in a large pan. Add the chopped onions, carrots and potatoes. Pour 1-2 cans of V8 over the meat and vegetables until the bottom of the pan is completely covered. Top off with a little bit of olive oil and parsley. Bake for 45 min at 350 degrees. We love serving this dish with either rice or couscous on the side. Our kids especially enjoy this meal with heaping spoonfuls of tangy plain yogurt! Serves 6.


Lentil Soup

A tried and tested family classic, this is probably the easiest (and most delicious) lentil soup recipe you'll ever make. Loaded with minerals, fiber and protein, we not only love this hearty soup as a guilt-free comfort food but also as a filling side dish. It's a cinch to store and freeze for later, and one thing's for sure, once you have a taste, you'll keep going back for more!

Ingredients:

    • 8 cups of water
    • 2 cups red split lentils 
    • 3 carrot sticks 
    • 1 medium onion
    • 2 garlic cloves 
    • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
    • 2 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. seven spice
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper 
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Pita bread (for dipping)

      Rinse lentils and bring them to a boil in 8 cups of water. Roughly chop the onion and carrots. Once the water boils, add garlic, chopped vegetables, olive oil, and seasoning. Keep on med/high heat until the vegetables soften (approximately 10-15 minutes). Turn the heat off. Use a hand blender to blend the soup until the texture is satin smooth. Add lemon juice and stir before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fried pita bread pieces. Serves 6.

       

      Oven Roasted Butternut Squash

      In the lineup of cool-weather veggies, winter squash are probably the most delicious and easiest to prepare. Rich in vitamins C and potassium, with just a few ingredients, your home will be filled with the warm aroma of autumn with this simple, healthy recipe for oven roasted butternut squash.

      Ingredients:

      • 1 whole butternut squash (peeled and sliced)
      • 1/2 tsp. pink Himalayan salt
      • 1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
      • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
      • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
      • parsley flakes (to garnish)

      Heat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry the squash, then slice into manageable pieces. Remove the skin with a vegetable peeler and cut into your desired shape. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spread your squash evenly and douse with olive oil (we find it easier to use a spray bottle). Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. When you can slice the squash with a spoon, you know its ready to eat. Remove from the pan and add a dash of parsley to garnish. Serves 4.

       

      What are your favorite healthy comfort foods this season? Let us know in the comments below! See you next time!

       

       

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