Eugenia Carlaftes and Sameera Pasha
Now that we are further into the school year, the weather is getting colder and the work is getting harder. Many turn to various things for comfort, especially food. What one defines as comfort food can vary from person to person based on where they are from, but they all do the same thing for all of us: they comfort. From Greece to Brazil, everyone has a special food that they love. Whether it be a savory soup or a sweet dessert. Here, we’ll explore comfort foods from all the different places around the world.
10. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup – America
A staple comfort food in America, grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combination of a warm and melty grilled cheese sandwich combined with the acidic flavors of a creamy tomato soup. The origins of this dish are unknown, but it’s no secret that it’s loved all throughout the country. The dish is made by putting cheese in between two slices of bread and grilling it until it’s toasted and melted, as well as boiling and blending tomatoes to make the soup.
9. Gulab Jamun – India
Gulab jamun is a doughy dessert that is immersed in a sweet rose-flavored syrup. This dessert has earthy flavor, such as cardamom, and it is considered a mithai, which is a traditional Indian sweet. Gulab jamun, served either hot or cold, but when served warm, it’s incredibly comforting flavors are especially delicious. The dessert is made by preparing a dough, frying it, and then submerging it in a rose-flavored syrup, also served with pistachios or rose petals to top it off. Gulab jamun is eaten at large celebrations, like festivals or weddings.
8. Kourabiedes – Greece
Kourabiedes are a warm cookie from Greece coated in powdered sugar, also known as butter cookies. They are very sweet and buttery, and they have a very thick texture when you bite into them. They have an almond flavor to them. Kourabiedes are made by creating a dough, shaping them into cookies, and then baking them. After that they are immersed in powdered sugar. It’s the perfect warm cookie to eat for comfort and is typically eaten during celebrations.
7. Sweet Rice – Guyana
Sweet rice is a dessert from Guyana. It can be served cold or hot, and has a very creamy and sweet texture, and has a very thick consistency. Sweet rice is made with rice, along with coconut milk and a variety of spices. The warmness of the sweet rice is very comforting. It is topped with cinnamon for extra flavor. This desert can be eaten anytime of the year and will always bring you comfort.
6. Pozole – Mexico
Pozole is a type of stew that includes meat, spices, and hominy (a type of corn). The stew is very warm and has a lot of savory and slightly spicy flavors that are incredibly comforting. The meat and hominy in this dish make it very hearty, and also adds flavor to it. The stew aspect of it also makes it a perfect comfort dish. Pozole is typically served on holidays and celebratory occasions and is garnished with a variety of things like lettuce, onion, or garlic.
5. Congee and Youtiao – China
Congee is a type of rice porridge. Congee comes in many different varieties, but they are all based off of the plain white rice congee. Youtiao is a fried dough typically served with congee and is meant to be dipped into it. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft. Congee, however, is very creamy and warm, making it very comforting. Occasionally meat, seafood, or eggs are added into the congee to add more flavors.
4. Ceviche – Peru
Ceviche is made using fresh raw fish or seafood cured in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon, making it a refreshing, cooling meal, which is a positive quality for a dish in the hot weather of Peru. It also draws connections to the Peruvian coastline in a cultural relevance, being often eaten in social settings such as family gatherings, celebrations, and communal meals. The vibrant flavors, cultural significance and ease of preparation make ceviche a collectively adored comfort food in Peru. However, it can be equally enjoyed anywhere in the world.
3. Canjica – Brazil
Canjica is made with hominy corn cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar. It has a creamy texture and sweet taste, often garnished with cinnamon, cloves, coconut, and sometimes condensed milk. Many Brazilians enjoy canjica with their families during festive gatherings such as Festa Junina, which takes place during the winter months in Brazil. It provides a sense of coziness needed to help withstand the colder weather. Canjica’s significance and comfort makes it an enjoyable dish for anyone.
2. Xima – Mozambique
Also known as sadza or pap, xima is a staple food in Mozambique. Xima is very filling, being made from maize flour and water, and cooked to a thick porridge-like consistency. It is often served with stews, sauces, or meats, making it very satisfying and comforting. In addition, maize, the main ingredient in xima, is widely available and affordable in Mozambique, making it a financially viable food for most. Many people in Mozambique associate Xima with memories of home-cooked meals and their families. Its filling nature and versatility make this dish incredibly comforting.
1. Tiramisu – Italy
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that is widely popular in America. Tiramisu is often seen in cake form but has been adapted into many other kinds of desserts making it very versatile. It has a creamy coffee flavor made of whipped mascarpone cheese that’s poured over ladyfingers soaked in coffee. Tiramisu actually means, “Cheer me up.” in Italian, practically born to be a comfort food. It’s a perfect comfort dessert for the coffee lover with a sweet tooth for any winter day.