Along with crisp temperatures, one of the best things about the fall season is the warm, rich comfort food that touches and soothes our stomachs and souls. With that being said, what’s better than a great dish, without the guilt?
I’ve plunged into the food blogosphere and gathered some of the best healthy and easy comfort food recipes for you to throw together for you and the family. Excess fat and calories aren’t needed in the coming months, (no excuses), but it’s still winter, and that means comfort food still rules. Check these out and let us know what you think!
Zucchini Noodles with Mini Chicken Feta and Spinach Meatballs
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, plus extra for topping
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 medium zucchini squash, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In your food processor, combine the spinach and garlic and pulse until small pieces remain. You don’t want it completely pureed, but you want it to look as if the spinach is chopped. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add half of the feta (2 ounces), pulsing again just a few times.
In a bowl, mix together the chicken, egg, Worcestershire, spinach mixture, salt, pepper, oregano, and 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs with your hands until just combined. If it feels too wet and is difficult to shape into balls, add a touch more breadcrumbs and mix. Add in the remaining feta cheese and mix. Form into 30 or so mini meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place on the parchment and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add olive oil and butter. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the lemon juice. Add the zoodles and toss well to coat. Cook until the noodles are softened slightly, tossing often, for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Serve the meatballs on a bed of zoodles. Top with extra feta and fresh oregano.
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Butternut Squash Risotto
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 1 tsp butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup shallots, chopped
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 oz dry white wine
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula, for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
In a large saucepan, heat broth and