Comfort Foods Around the World: Made at home

There really isn’t a way to separate food and emotion. I’m not talking about unhealthy emotional eating, but the way certain dishes can bring up specific emotions. Comfort food brings us comfort in difficult situations, reminds us of people and places of our past, and can make us feel content.

Comfort food is universal. It might taste and look very different from place to place, but the outcome is the same.

Here are a few of my favorite comfort foods from around the globe. I hope you will make these and spend a little time just feeling happy and content – what good food is really all about.

This Canadian dish originated in Quebec, but I’m seeing it in more and more places even outside of Canada. Fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy might sound weird, but give it a try at least once and I’m pretty sure it will become a comfort food favorite.

Try it at home: Poutine from Seasons and Suppers

These little dumplings are common in Germany and are so easy to make at home. Traditionally made with just eggs, flour, salt, and water you usually have all the ingredients on hand. When I was in Germany I had it with onions and cheese and simply tossed with butter and a little grated hard cheese. There are so many ways to serve this filling little dish you will enjoy it year-round.

Try it at home: Spaetzle from The Wanderlust Kitchen

There are so many things about shakshuka that make it the perfect comfort food. It is made in one pan, it has a little spice to it, you can serve it for breakfast or dinner (or anything in between), it is perfect for dipping crusty bread in . . . really do I have to go on. This spicy tomato and egg dish can be found in Africa, the Middle East, and so many other places and it brings comfort wherever it is eaten.

Try it at home: Shakshuka from Tori Avey

It doesn’t get any more British than classic fish and chips. Or more comforting. Beer batter coated fish and fried potatoes are the perfect end to any hard day. This duo is even one of the only foods not rationed in Britain during the world wars – now that is saying something. Comfort food that lets you get a little messy and goes great with a beer can’t be wrong.

Try it at home: Fish & Chips from Love Foodies

This might not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Spain, but it is a dish you will find served throughout the country. A simple dish of eggs, potato, and onion cooked in olive oil it is a versatile dish that can be sliced up and served as part of tapas with friends or cut into more substantial pieces and served for a more intimate meal. Whatever you do don’t skimp on the olive oil.

Try it at home: Tortilla Espanola from Spanish Sabores

This is one comfort food I REALLY want to try. Anything this delicious looking that includes carbs is pure comfort. This Lebanese flatbread is spread with tasty zatar and olive oil and traditionally eaten for breakfast. I’d eat it any time of day! Perhaps one day I will get to try it in its country of birth, but until then I’ll have to try making it at home.

Try it at home: Lebanese Man’oushe from Maureen Abood

As winter wears on and you’re looking for something besides soup and pasta dishes to warm those cold days I hope you’ll give one of these a try. A little comfort food could bring us all a little closer together.