The Necessity of Our Favorite Comfort Foods

Ed. Note: An older post from March 2016, shelved before our 3-month break from publishing.

I. Burger, Fries and Salad

Green Leaf Lettuce, Cherry Tomato and Kirby Cucumber Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing

Some of the best dressed veggie burgers this Spring are accessorized with only a dab of vegan mayo and sweet onions. 

At home you're not forced to choose between fries or a salad; you can have both! Healthier fries for this dinner were oven-baked and made from rutabagas. Here's how to do it: preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. while you peel 1-2 medium-size rutabagas. Slice the rutabaga into rounds, stack the rounds and then cut into thin batons (1/4" wide). Toss with olive oil (around 2-3 T.), salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Roast in a single layer on a baking sheet for 15 minutes. Be sure to flip the fries now and then to ensure even browning. Serve hot with additional salt if needed.

II. Cassoulet for Chilly Spring Nights

Cafe Drake HRV loads our "alternative" cassoulet with root veggies and ditches the sausage, duck and organ meats common in traditional versions without stinting on flavor or richness. We draw from a wide variety of vegetables when customizing each casserole - onions, parsnips, rutabagas, celery root, parsley root, turnips, carrots, sunchokes, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. 

After the vegetables and beans have cooked until tender, the cassoulet is topped with bread crumbs, minced herbs and olive oil and browned under the broiler. You'll find our original post with the full recipe HERE.

Leftover cassoulet with salad, quinoa and grilled bread

III.  When In Doubt, Make Tostados. Everything will be Fine.

For all you carb addicts out there, we present Jerusalem Artichoke Tostados.

Black Bean and Vegetarian Sausage Tostados with tangy Avocado and Peanut Salsa. The salsa recipe can be found HERE on Rick Bayless' online treasure trove of authentic Mexican recipes.

IV. Any Sandwich Topped with Creamy Coleslaw and Sided with More Carbs Is OK with Us.

Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches with sides of salad and leftover baked ziti.