6 Quick and Easy Comfort Foods

The colder it gets, the more appealing it is to stay in, put on some comfy clothes and dive into your favorite guilty pleasure foods. However, many of our favorite foods can leave us feeling sluggish and sleepy, and may not give us the nutrients our bodies need to flourish and thrive. Give comfort food a makeover with some of these easy, healthier alternatives so you can enjoy the flavors you love while feeling full, focused and energized.

Garden Gumbo with Smoked Sausage and Kidney Beans
A steaming hot bowl of veggies, beans and smoked sausage makes any day a good day. This garden gumbo is loaded with color, veggies and protein. Use Green Valley organic kidney beans and pre-cooked long grain rice, onion, celery, sausage, tomatoes and zucchini for a filling, guilt-free dinner. Take leftovers to work for a perfect desk lunch.

Healthy Stuffed Zucchini Boats 
These healthy stuffed zucchini boats make eating veggies a whole lot more fun, and they take just about 20 minutes in the oven. Start by slicing the zucchini in half, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Fill with Green Valley organic great northern beans, your favorite sauce, and parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and bake until cheese is golden brown. To fill your zucchini boats even more, add your favorite Green Valley pre-cooked rice.

Two Bean Turkey Chili Tamale Pie 
In less than an hour, your family can be gathered around the table to enjoy this two bean turkey chili tamale pie. Use ground turkey and Green Valley organic kidney and pinto beans as a nutritious source of protein and energy. Onions, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder and more kick it up a notch, and a layer of cornbread on top will have your whole family coming back for seconds. Top with cheese, sour cream and your other favorite chili toppings. 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas 
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat eater, you’ll love how easy these sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are to make for a weeknight dinner. Our organic black beans have half your daily fiber in just one cup, and are a great source of plant-based energy and protein. Don’t love sweet potatoes? Substitute for ground turkey, chicken, or even Green Valley organic garbanzo beans.

Quick Red Kidney Bean Chili 
When it comes to comfort foods, chili reigns supreme. Aside from being warm, delicious and sometimes even a little spicy, it’s packed with protein, fiber and folate. It’s also easily customizable for taste and dietary restrictions. This quick red kidney bean chili lets Green Valley organic dark red kidney beans take center stage. Add ground turkey, beef, or even more plant-based protein for a hearty meal you’ll enjoy until spring. 

Saucy Baked Pumpkin Pasta 
You’ve never seen baked ziti like this before. Pumpkin lovers can rejoice with this seasonally delicious pasta dish. Make this favorite Italian dish a bit lighter with Green Valley organic pumpkin, ground turkey sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, and of course, your favorite cheeses. As a gluten-free alternative, substitute traditional ziti pasta for a wheat-free option or use zucchini noodles.

What are some of your favorite comfort food recipes? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Instagram and we might just share it on our page.