As we wait for the last chill of winter to loosen its icy grip on our lives, warm, rich foods can do a lot to rally our spirits. Many of our favorite classic recipes are, sadly, high in saturated fat and salt. Don’t give up hope on enjoying a good bowl of comfort food without breaking your plans for a nutritious lifestyle. We’ve got some wonderful, cozy recipes that make nutrition a priority without sacrificing flavor.
Slow Cooker Bean-Hole Beans
A New England tradition that’s usually served with hot dogs and made with pork fat, this recipe is cooked with lean chicken sausage instead for full flavor and a better-than-hot-dogs experience for a comfort food you’ll be glad you swapped. (2 Guiding Stars)
One Pot Ratatouille
A classic French dish that’s packed full of veggies, ratatouille is better the longer you let it stew. Enjoy the rich, garlic smell filling your house and serve it up with some good, crusty whole-grain bread. (2 Guiding Stars)
Chippy Chili
Who doesn’t love a spicy batch of chili when the frost is nipping at the windows? Using corn chips in place of salt for a little crunch and a little extra whole grain, this Expert Chef recipe will knock your socks off. (2 Guiding Stars)
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
Perfect for flu and cold season, this soup is almost as good as a hug from Mom when you’re under the weather. Triscuit Fire-Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil crackers (3 Guiding Stars) make a smart accompaniment for your soup. (1 Guiding Star)
Chicken Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Thick and creamy, this Expert Chef chicken stew tastes like being snug at home on a snow day. The soft, flavorful dumplings are a versatile addition to any of your favorite dumpling-loving soups, just play with the herbs a bit. (1 Guiding Star)
Curried Squash and Apple Bisque with Leek
Sore throat? Queasy tummy? Cold down to your downs? Smooth and sweet with just a hint of spice, this nutritious squash soup from our Expert Chef is bound to perk you up in a jiffy. (1 Guiding Star)
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Whether the kids have a day off from school or a snow-bound weekend, helping you make this simple, yummy and more nutritious mac and cheese is a great activity that will result in a meal you can all agree on. (1 Guiding Star)