Stay Warm With These Comfort Foods
The weather outside might be frightful, but staying indoors with our favorite comfort foods can bring that warmth right back. Whether you're craving hot stew or a delicious plate of stir-fried noodles, here are 20 dishes from around the world to enjoy on a cold winter night.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
It's difficult to pinpoint where chicken noodle soup originated from, but it's a staple everywhere in the world. As one of the original cold remedies that's been passed down for centuries, it continues to be a go-to—even if you're not sick.
2. Mac And Cheese
Lactose-intolerant people, look away! Or maybe just reach for a dairy-free version because who can resist rich, gooey mac and cheese? With its popularity in the West, namely the United States, it's usually thought to have originated from there. But it actually has European origins, particularly in the United Kingdom and Italy.
3. Borscht
This Ukrainian specialty is perfect for cold winter days. Even if you aren't fond of beets (the star of this dish), don't completely write this off—its unique flavor might stick with you! Sour, creamy, and a little sweet, this soup can be served hot or cold.
4. Goulash
If you've never had goulash (or any other Hungarian dishes) before, don't be surprised by the amount of paprika; after all, it's what gives this national dish and Hungarian cuisine its distinct flavor.
Along with plenty of paprika and other spices, chunky pieces of meat, carrots, and onions also make up this comforting stew.
5. Oden
Also known as fish cake stew, oden is a favorite among Japanese during wintertime. It's not a hard dish to make either, the most challenging being the soy-based dashi and kombu broth. Afterwards, just toss some veggies, radish, tofu, fish cakes (and konnyaku/konjac, if you'd like) into a bubbling pot, and you're ready to dig in!
6. Butter Chicken
A beloved dish from India, butter chicken balances fragrant spices with tomatoes and onions into a creamy, almost decadent sauce. It's best served with basmati rice or naan, but it's delicious no matter what it's paired with.
7. French Onion Soup
Hailing from—you guessed it—France, French onion soup dates all the way back to medieval times. Caramelized onions and beef stock make up the base of this comfort dish, then it's topped with crispy, toasted bread and lots and lots of cheese.
8. Kimchi Jjigae
If you like spice, kimchi jjigae might be your new favorite. Featuring kimchi and gochugaru/gochujang (Korean chili flakes and paste) and hearty toppings like tofu, pork belly, and egg, this traditional stew is sure to keep you warm.
9. Shepherd's Pie
Though shepherd's pie is believed to have its roots in the United Kingdom and Ireland, its popularity is worldwide.
And that's no surprise: with ground meat cooked in gravy, veggies, and a cheesy potato top layer, every bite of this pie makes you want more.
Oxfordian Kissuth on Wikimedia
10. Congee
Down with the flu? This savory porridge might help to boost your energy. Made from boiling down rice until softened and creamy, congee comes in many flavors—like chicken, pork meatballs, or even century egg—and is served piping hot.
11. Pho
This Vietnamese street-stall classic never gets old. The broth is usually the highlight, typically made with beef bones, fish sauce, and other spices and aromatics—but what brings everything together are the noodles and the toppings.
12. Pad Thai
If soup noodles aren't what your winter blues are currently craving, pad thai might be the answer. Tossed with ingredients like chicken, shrimp, tofu, and veggies, this stir-fried dish is quick and easy to make. Though it's traditionally topped with crushed peanuts, you can omit it if you're allergic.
13. Fufu
Fufu is a West African dish consisting of a dumpling-like dough made from starchy foods, like cassava, yams, or plantains. It's typically eaten with stews and soups, like egusi, where you can tear off small pieces of fufu to scoop up the broth.
14. Peanut Butter Soup
Another West African staple, this soup combines peanut butter, tomato paste, and spices to create a creamy, almost curry-like texture.
If you're wondering what else to pair with fufu, this is it!
A Healthier Michigan from Detroit, United States on Wikimedia
15. Chicken Adobo
Slow-braised chicken meets vinegar-and-soy marinade in this beloved Filipino dish. Since thighs are typically used (over chicken breast), the meat is juicy and extra tender, making it a great side dish for a bowl of rice (or three).
16. Pozole
Because you can never have too many stews on this list, Mexican pozole is another heartwarming dish to enjoy in winter. Made with hominy (corn kernels) and meat, pozole also comes in various flavors and is named by its color. Pozole verde, for example, spotlights green ingredients like tomatillos and cilantro to create a refreshing yet tart taste.
17. Paella
Originating from Spain, this hearty rice dish is cooked with different kinds of meat or seafood in a shallow pan and is traditionally prepared over an open fire. Though paella is meant for sharing, no one will judge you for wanting the whole thing to yourself.
18. Poutine
What could make fries better? Adding gravy and cheese to it, of course! This Canadian dish is both delicious and simple to throw together. It's also easy to elevate by adding meat, greens, or just even more cheese.
Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada on Wikimedia
19. Cazuela
Named after the clay pot it's steeped in, cazuela is a Chilean classic and is the last stew to top this list.
Packed with meat like chicken or beef and veggies like butternut squash and corn, the soup is often enjoyed first before the ingredients.
20. Fondue
You might think fondue comes from France, but it's actually from Switzerland. This gooey pot of melted cheese can be dipped into with bread, potatoes, apples, or anything else cubed. Pair with some wine and you've got yourself the perfect night in.
