20 Winter Comfort Foods That Don't Pack on the Pounds
As we head into the season of heavy, satisfying comfort foods, it’s all too easy to see the pounds come on — and not so easy to take them off. Using bold flavours, nutrient-dense whole grains, produce and lean proteins (along with a few healthy cooking tricks) you can enjoy your favourite comfort foods without the weight gain. Balance out your weekly winter menu by incorporating a few of our top healthy comfort food recipes to help fill you up, not out.
-
1 of 20
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
<p>This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/dairy-free-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dairy-free vegan pasta</a> recipe eschews cream, gluten and eggs, while still managing to taste decadent. Gluten-free brown rice noodles, along with a silky cashew Alfredo sauce and mushrooms combine to form an indulgent dish for every comfort food craving, regardless of dietary preference.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/creamy-vegan-gluten-free-mushroom-fettuccine-alfredo-38399/"><strong>Creamy Vegan Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo</strong></a></p> -
2 of 20
Skillet Rosemary Chicken
<p>This one-pan meal will fill your house with savoury aromas that ignite a comfort food feeling before you even take the first bite. Lean chicken is paired with zippy lemon and potatoes for a homestyle dinner that allows you to stick to your nutrition goals while keeping your taste buds and family happy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skillet-rosemary-chicken/17857/" target="_blank"><strong>Skillet Rosemary Chicken</strong></a></p> -
3 of 20
Giada's Cioppino
<p>Halibut, shrimp, mussels and clams come together in a light tomato broth for a wintery Italian classic that's light yet substantial. Keep a loaf of crusty whole grain sourdough bread on hand to soak up the juices in this one-pot meal.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-cioppino/15486/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Cioppino</strong></a></p> -
4 of 20
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
<p>You won’t miss the meat in this hearty, wholesome superfood stuffed squash. Packed with whole grain brown and wild rice, kale and creamy tahini, it’s a complete meal that will impress any guest, carnivore or veggie-lover. (And you can eat the bowl!)</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stuffed-acorn-squash-with-red-wine-cranberry-sauce/15076/#puECvq3aJ3StLGpq.99" target="_blank"><strong>Stuffed Acorn Squash with Red Wine Cranberry Sauce</strong></a></p> -
5 of 20
Chickpea Curry with Rice
<p>Curry is easy to warm up to, supplying a whack of antioxidants from the variety of spices it contains, which double as calorie-free flavour boosters, so you can skip the heavy-hand of butter and oil. Coconut milk and chickpeas meld for a creamy, creamless vegan curry that comes together in no time.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-curry-with-rice/16616/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Chickpea Curry with Rice</strong></a></p> -
6 of 20
Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
<p>In place of starchy, blood sugar-spiking white potatoes, this newfangled turkey shepherd’s pie gets a vibrant blanket of fibre- and potassium-rich sweet potatoes. Not only do sweet potatoes have more flavour than white potatoes, they’re a source of beta-carotene, which helps nourish dry winter skin.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/30-minute-meals/recipe/turkey-sweet-potato-shepherds-pie-and-cran-applesauce-sundaes/17157/" target="_blank"><strong>Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie</strong></a></p> -
7 of 20
Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto
<p>Whole grain barley, packed with a nutty taste and chewy texture, smooths out into creamy risotto, replacing traditional white rice. Higher in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals than its classic counterpart, it’s a healthier winter comfort food you’ll want to enjoy every week — and making it in the slow cooker means you can.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-mushroom-barley-risotto/18202/" target="_blank"><strong>Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto</strong></a></p> -
8 of 20
Hot and Sour Soup with Noodles
<p>While some gravitate towards more neutral tastes when it comes to comfort food, others crave the bold (and very warming) heat of chili. Hot and sour soup, a take-out staple, can be made at home, nourishing the body and soul with a rich, protein-packed broth. This winter dinner is ideal when you’re under the weather, but will satisfy any day of the week.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/easy-hot-and-sour-soup-with-shanghai-noodles/33708/"><strong>Hot and Sour Soup with Noodles</strong></a></p> -
9 of 20
Vegetarian Tourtière Bake
<p>Tourtière is a French-Canadian winter meal worth indulging in now and again, but for those in-between tourtière, opt for a bottomless veggie version packed with protein-rich lentils, earthy mushrooms and crunchy walnuts.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-tourtiere-bake/14043/" target="_blank"><strong>Vegetarian Tourtière Bake</strong></a></p> -
10 of 20
Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce
<p>Cheesy stuffed shells are given a healthy winter makeover, lightening things up with lean turkey and fibre-packed artichokes. You’ll feel good about reaching for seconds with this Italian comfort food classic.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-artichoke-stuffed-shells-with-arrabbiata-sauce/15503/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce</a></strong></p> -
11 of 20
Butternut Squash Soup with Fontina Cheese Crostini
<p>Pureeing naturally creamy vegetables into soup, such as butternut squash, makes them taste rich and laden with heavy ingredients, while remaining a comforting option for cold days. Additionally, pureed soups make you feel more full than broth-based versions, boosting their comfort food appeal even more.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butternut-squash-soup-with-fontina-cheese-crostini/17263/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Butternut Squash Soup with Fontina Cheese Crostini</a></strong></p> -
12 of 20
Sweet Potato Nacho Bake
<p>Skip fried corn chips and create a festive, loaded nacho platter with hearty roasted sweet potatoes instead. This shareable app is ideal for winter entertaining, but devouring it as a main course is more than acceptable when it comes to these lightened-up nachos.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-nacho-bake/17484/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Nacho Bake</a></strong></p> -
13 of 20
Tofu Chili with Avocado Salad
<p>There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of chili. Make this meal lighter and suitable for vegetarians, while still pleasing omnivores, by replacing beef with tofu. And instead of sour cream, reach for the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/wholesome-recipes-healthy-fats/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">healthy fats</a> and fibre in a creamy, satisfying chili topper that skips the dairy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tofu-chili-with-avocado-salad/17880/" target="_blank"><strong>Tofu Chili with Avocado Salad<strong></a></p> -
14 of 20
Chicken and Quinoa Soup
<p>Starchy noodles are replaced with quinoa for a warming winter bowl of soup that’s as cozy as can be. Curl up on the couch with this soothing meal and satisfy your comfort food cravings.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-quinoa-soup/18029/" target="_blank"><strong>Chicken and Quinoa Soup<strong></a></p> -
15 of 20
Whole-Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron
<p>Whole roasted cauliflower is sure to get the conversation started. Infused with wintertime flavours of orange and saffron, this one-pot wonder is worthy of the spotlight at your next gathering. Serve with a side salad and roasted salmon for a complete, healthy comfort food dinner.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-roasted-cauliflower-with-hazelnut-orange-and-saffron/17187/" target="_blank"><strong>Whole-Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron</strong></a></p> -
16 of 20
Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice Soup
<p>Heavy turkey dinners are often uninspiring, but turkey itself is a lean protein — and blank canvas — ready to soak up the flavour. This familiar yet unique winter soup employs iron-rich kale, brown rice and a fragrant broth for a comfort food meal that can be enjoyed al desko or in the comfort of your home.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-kale-and-brown-rice-soup/17265/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey, Kale & Brown Rice Soup</strong></a></p> -
17 of 20
Healthy Breakfast Bake with Spaghetti Squash
<p>Spaghetti squash is in season now, acting as a vitamin-rich, edible bowl for just about anything. This recipe, geared towards the breakfast-for-dinner crowd, brings the comfort food factor without the need for starchy carbs.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/healthy-breakfast-bake-with-spaghetti-squash/15311/" target="_blank">Healthy Breakfast Bake with Spaghetti Squash</a></strong></p> -
18 of 20
Slow Cooker Moroccan Turkey Stew
<p>Sometimes, we all need a break from beef stew, and this turkey version provides a lighter, leaner twist on the comforting classic. Spiced to perfection, and full of veggies and lean protein that simmer away in a slow cooker while you’re at work, it’s a meal that won’t pack on the pounds, while still packing in the flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-moroccan-turkey-stew/17452/" target="_blank"><strong>Slow Cooker Moroccan Turkey Stew</strong></a></p> -
19 of 20
Orange Chicken Tagine
<p> This complete-meal stew won’t leave you feeling heavy. The trick to this tagine is its layering of spices and sweetness, making it taste indulgent while remaining a wholesome weekday option that’s sophisticated enough for entertaining.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/orange-chicken-tagine/12793/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson’s Orange Chicken Tagine</strong></a></p> -
20 of 20
Roasted Root Vegetable Pasta with Walnuts
<p>Made with a variety of hearty winter root vegetables, omega-3-rich walnuts and dotted with creamy goat cheese, this pasta is both elegant and healthy. Use whole wheat noodles to boost the fibre and lend a pleasing nutty taste that compliments the walnuts.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/the-hot-plate-spaghetti-with-roasted-root-vegetables-31955/" target="_blank"><strong>Roasted Root Vegetable Pasta with Walnuts</strong></a></p> <p><em>Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.</em></p>