Healthy Comfort Food Ideas That'll Turn Winter Into Your Favorite Season

Who said that comfort food equals non-stop binging on anything "junk-like" that crosses your path? If you throw the nutritious Mother Earth Products in the mix, you are definitely in for a decadent culinary experience. So, here are some healthy comfort food recipes that'll turn up the heat in your kitchen.

SAVORY COMFORT FOOD

How About Some Spaghetti and Meatballs?

This classic childhood favorite is one of those comfort foods that you have no choice to but embrace during these cold winter days. And contrary to common belief, this dish CAN make a healthy meal – with the right ingredients.

This comforting classic comes together using dehydrated ingredients for ease and flavor. Pureeing the rehydrated tomato flakes ensures a smooth, rich sauce perfect for pairing with the meatballs and pasta.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 cup dehydrated lentils (or instant lentils)
  • ½ cup dehydrated bell peppers
  • ½ cup dehydrated onions
  • 1 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 3 eggs

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup dehydrated tomato flakes
  • ½ cup warm water (for rehydrating tomato flakes)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Instructions

1. Rehydrate the Ingredients:
   Rehydrate the lentils, bell peppers, onions, and granulated garlic in a 1:1 ratio of hot water. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain any excess water. Rehydrate the tomato flakes in ½ cup warm water for 5–7 minutes.

2. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the rehydrated lentils, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings with eggs. Mix well and shape into evenly-sized meatballs. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until browned.

3. Cook the Pasta:
   While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Transfer the rehydrated tomato flakes and their liquid to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the pureed tomato mixture, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Assemble and Serve:
   Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated. Plate the spaghetti, top with baked meatballs, and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Or Perhaps A Steamy Bowl Of Creamy Potato Soup?

This quick and comforting creamy potato soup comes together in just 20 minutes, using dehydrated ingredients for maximum convenience and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dehydrated potato dices
• 2 tbsp chicken soup base (powdered or granulated)
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp dehydrated parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base:
   In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the chicken soup base, ensuring it dissolves completely.

2. Add the Ingredients:
   Stir in the dehydrated potato dices, granulated garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Lower the heat to a simmer.

3. Cook the Soup:
   Simmer the soup uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the soup thickens slightly.

4. Finish with Cream (Optional):
   For extra creaminess, stir in the milk or cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Stir in dehydrated parsley just before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese or crumbled bacon, for extra flavor.

This creamy potato soup is warm, flavorful, and so easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy winter evenings!

SWEET COMFORT FOOD

Can I Interest You In Some Apple Pie?

This timeless dessert combines a buttery crust with a warm, spiced apple filling made easy with freeze-dried apples. Perfect for sweet comfort food any day!

Ingredients

• For the Filling:

  • 2 cups freeze-dried apples, rehydrated
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thickening)

• For the Crust:

  • 1 pre-made or homemade pie dough, divided into two disks (for top and bottom crust)

Instructions

1. Rehydrate the Apples:
   Rehydrate the freeze-dried apples by soaking them in warm water for 10–15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the rehydrated apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Prepare the Crust:
   Roll out one disk of pie dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

4. Assemble the Pie:
   Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second disk of pie dough and place it over the apples. Seal the edges by crimping them together, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake the Pie:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

This freeze-dried apple pie delivers all the classic flavors with a shortcut that keeps it quick and easy!

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