Comfort Food With a Twist

You pick up your spoon and break open a golden puff-pastry crust to reveal a juicy, moist and tender beef filling. In goes the red-wine gravy, cooked the traditional way with fresh thyme added at the end. Licking your lips, you hungrily tuck into your pie, wanting to devour it all before it gets cold. The warm morsels melt on the way down, heating up your insides, and suddenly winter’s chill no longer has an affect on you.

After a freezing day it is the best feeling to come home to a inviting plate of roast chicken, crispy skinned with side helpings of golden potato, carrots and beans. Comfort food works well in winter and is part of the reason why I’m able to survive this dreaded time of year over and over again.

There’s something in the way that food is slowly cooked over a simmering heat, or popped into an oven to roast and caramelise that is utterly intoxicating to the senses. Even the humble bowl of mashed potato is made brilliant with the addition of cream, butter and milk.

But why does comfort food have to remain only for winter? Surely we could enjoy this style year-round. Comfort food makes us feel good. It’s the plate of spaghetti Bolognese, scattered with grated cheese that melts into deliciousness. It’s all about the pleasure of using wholesome, quality ingredients and investing the time into preparation that makes food a feast. With some simple planning, even the healthiest looking green salad can be rich and luxurious.

Instead of a dreary plate of iceberg lettuce, make salads fun by shopping around for a selection of leaves. Combine soft green butter lettuce with baby spinach and frisee, add some basil and mint and already things are looking good. Scatter with cubes of roasted golden beetroot and drizzle with a dressing of lemon juice, mustard and oil, whisked till the consistency of creamy mayonnaise.

Blitz some peeled, roasted red capsicum and chilli in a blender, add a dash of lemon juice, salt and pepper and brush over chicken. Place in the oven and grill till crisp and you will have yourself a delicious Portuguese style roast. With a side of chips you are set.

Finish your meal with what is probably one of the best desserts ever, trifle! And it couldn’t be easier. Simply cut squares of sponge cake and layer in the bottom of a glass bowl. Drizzle with a liquor of choice and tope with a selection of soft fresh fruits, like peaches, berries or even banana. Cover with custard and decorate with chocolate shavings and place in the fridge to cool. After driving yourself insane trying to wait and be patient, top your pudding with whipped cream and dig in!

The bottom line is that comfort foods can still be enjoyed year-round, and with some simple preparation you too can create some comfort in your own kitchen.

Happy Cooking!

Brendon D’Souza a.k.a The Smiling Chef :)