Heartwarming Recipes to Cozy Up With From Mothersense

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm, hearty meal. Comfort food is all about nostalgia and warmth, evoking feelings of home and togetherness. This season, let’s embrace the deliciousness of comforting dishes that nourish the soul without straying too far from healthy eating. Here are three classic recipes—Round Steak and Rice, Chicken Soup, and a Cheesy Casserole—that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.

1. Round Steak and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Season the round steak pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the carrots and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the brown rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the steak is tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Fat: 10g

2. Classic Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Fat: 8g

3. Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Cook until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, Greek yogurt, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Fat: 10g

Just a reminder

Comfort food doesn’t have to be an indulgent treat that derails healthy eating habits. With these recipes, you can enjoy hearty meals that are both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for those chilly evenings at home with the family and friends. Each dish brings its unique flavors and comforting qualities, making them ideal for sharing. You can even take it a step further and have everyone help prep, even in a small kitchen area, kids or friends can help with preparations. So, gather around the table and enjoy the warmth and love that comes from good food this season and help keep the blues at bay!