Comfort Foods You Can Feel Good About
When the weather turns colder, wet, or snowy, we tend to lean toward what we call “comfort food.” These are dishes that are warm and filling–think casseroles as a perfect example. Basically, they make us feel good. The only problem is most of them also come with a ton of calories and fat. The good news is you can still create comfort dishes that taste great, make you feel great and won’t blow your diet.
Lasagna is one of the most popular casserole dishes, but the traditional version is packed with meat and cheese. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is a terrific, healthy alternative and you won’t have to sacrifice flavor. This recipe combines ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses with pureed butternut squash to create a delicious, creamy filling. A little nutmeg also adds some spice. The spinach layer includes garlic and a blend of cheese. Once assembled, the casserole is baked at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Courtesy of Julia’s Album
When going Mexican, these Chicken, Rice, and Bean Burritos are a filling and healthy alternative to the beef and cheese version. You’ll use chicken breasts and seasonings like lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add toppings like black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, light sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and hot sauce.
Courtesy of North South Blonde
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a comforting classic. It calls for chicken breast and lots of broccoli. You’ll also add onion, garlic, and carrots to this casserole. What makes this recipe stand out is the blend of herbs like dill, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest. A creamy sauce made from yogurt and sour cream covers the ingredients and cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top. Bake this casserole at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Note you can add a layer of cooked white rice to this casserole if you choose.
