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Recipes

13 healthy comfort food recipes

Small tweaks—baking where you can, sneaking in some extra veg—make comfort food feel even better.

By Today's Parent
13 healthy comfort food recipes

Photo: Erik Putz

Crispy Baked Fish and Chips

No deep frying needed—a light panko coating keeps fish crisp. This recipe calls for salmon, but feel free to use whatever kind of fish you like (or your kids will eat). Get the recipe: Crispy Baked Fish and Chips

13 healthy comfort food recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Icing

Grated zucchini melts into this chocolatey batter—no one will ever know, nor will they care! Get the recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Icing

 

13 healthy comfort food recipesPhoto: Jodi Pudge

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Kale Pesto Mac & Cheese

You didn’t get the memo? Kale makes everything better—including mac and cheese. Get the recipe: Kale Pesto Mac & Cheese

13 healthy comfort food recipesPhoto: Andrew Grinton

Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Nutritious cauliflower is a great imposter—it can be puréed into a creamy sauce, blitzed into rice or smashed like a potato. Get the recipe: Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

ramekins with shepherd's piePhoto: Erik Putz

The New Tuna Casserole

This light pasta dish has all the necessary elements—tuna for protein, sweet frozen peas and a crunchy topping—but won’t weigh you down. Get the recipe: The New Tuna Casserole

13 healthy comfort food recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

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“Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

Our faux fried chicken will satisfy you real good. Quick, whip up a side of slaw while it bakes! Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

crispy breaded drumsticks with coleslawPhoto: Erik Putz

Lentil and Beef Mini Meat Loaves

A great source of fibre and lean protein, lentils have a hearty, meaty texture that makes them a genius addition here. Get the recipe: Lentil and Beef Mini Meat Loaves

13 healthy comfort food recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

No-Bake Brownie Bites

Craving brownies? These chocolate treats are made with dates and flaxseed—yummy and healthy! Enlist your little ones to help roll. Get the recipe: No-Bake Brownie Bites

chocolate balls covered in nuts and coconutPhoto: Roberto Caruso

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Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Secret

This classic dish comes with a surprising twist—the meatballs are stuffed with grated veggies. Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for slurpy seconds. Get the recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs with a Secret

Two bowls of spaghetti and meatballsPhoto: Erik Putz

Vegetarian Taco Salad

Go meatless with this satisfying and super-flavourful taco salad. The shells are so easy to make: Just shape them over a bowl and bake in the oven. Get the recipe: Vegetarian Taco Salad

tortilla bowl filled with lettuce, tomatoes, beans and cheesePhoto: Roberto Caruso

Make-Ahead Lentil Chili

Minimum prep for maximum payoff—a warm, hearty bowl of veggie chili to slurp. Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt and a sprinkle of cheese. Get the recipe: Make-Ahead Lentil Chili

enamel bowl filled with chunky veggie chiliPhoto: Roberto Caruso

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Crispy Oven-Baked Wings

You won’t believe the secret ingredient that makes these wings incredibly crispy. Here’s a hint: It’s already in your pantry. Get the recipe: Crispy Oven-Baked Wings

man eating chicken wings with various saucesPhoto: Rob Caruso

Mushroom Quesadilla

You can pretty much stuff any veggies between two toasted tortillas oozing with melted cheese. Get the recipe: Mushroom Quesadilla

Cheesy quesadillas on white boardPhoto: Roberto Caruso
This article was originally published on Sep 29, 2020

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