By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
While the idea of slow cooking, simmering stews and preparing simple meals from scratch may sound appealing, the reality is often harder to execute.
Let's face it – most of us need something quicker to satiate our hunger and soothe our souls, especially with a series of Netflix shows waiting to be binged!
This is where quick comfort foods come to the rescue. These hearty dishes can be whipped up in 15 minutes or less, delivering the same warmth and satisfaction without the lengthy cooking time.
Say goodbye to long waits and hello to instant comfort with these speedy recipes:
Grilled cheese sandwich: There's nothing quite like the classic combination of gooey grilled cheese and carby bread to evoke feelings of comfort. To make a super decadent version of this meal in a flash, start by spreading softened butter on the inside of thick slices of sourdough or fluffy white bread.
Layer sharp cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, caramelised onions and fig jam between the slices. Coat with butter (or mayonnaise) and cook in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted. Otherwise, go old school and whip out the jaffle maker for a meal that will make you feel like it’s 1992 all over again.
Pasta aglio e olio: Who said pasta sauce needed to be slow-cooked? Certainly not this traditional rustic Italian version, which channels all the comfort of a long-stewed ragu - in (almost) less time than it takes to say Mama Mia! It’s as simple as it is delicious, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
While your pasta cooks according to package instructions, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown. Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic-infused oil, along with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and chopped parsley for an extra kick of flavour. In less time than it takes to order takeout pizza, you'll have a Nonna-approved dish that's sure to satisfy.
Homemade pizza: Speaking of pizza, while you may not have the time to make dough from scratch, there is an alternative that offers you all the warmth of this comfort food classic and, quickly! The trick lies in pre-made pita bread, which doubles as a ready-made pizza base. Top with a spoonful of bottled tomato sauce and all your favourite toppings and you’ll have a meal in less time than it takes to say Domino’s!
Pumpkin soup: If you have time to kill, try this slow version of chicken soup! Otherwise, opt for a take on pumpkin soup, that is almost as quick as opening up a can! To start, sauté onions and garlic, then add pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, ground cumin and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, blend until smooth and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Optionally, stir in coconut milk for creaminess. Serve hot with a sprinkle of ground cumin or a drizzle of coconut milk for a comforting and flavourful meal ready in minutes.
Microwave mac and cheese: When cravings strike and time is of the essence, this microwave mug macaroni and cheese recipe is here to save the day (and time). In a microwave-safe mug, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through. In almost less time than it takes to cook two-minute noodles, you'll have a single-serving portion of creamy, cheesy goodness that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Purists may argue that it’s not authentic, but no one will disagree that it’s still very, very good!
Chocolate mug-gin: For a quick comfort food fix in a similar style of prep - but one sure to satisfy your sweet tooth - whip up a chocolate mug in (muffin in a mug, get it?). In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt and baking powder. Add milk and oil, then stir until smooth.
Optionally, mix in chocolate chips or nuts. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Let it cool briefly, then enjoy a warm and indulgent chocolate treat, perfect for satisfying cravings in mere minutes.
