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Heartwarming Dishes: 20 Global Comfort Foods Designed To Heal


Heartwarming Dishes: 20 Global Comfort Foods Designed To Heal


These Foods Will Have You Feeling Great

There are dishes in every corner of the world that are such renowned comfort foods that they can help brighten any situation. These dishes are heartwarming, healing, and delicious. Here are 20 global comfort foods designed to heal. 

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1. Chicken Noodle Soup

This is the most obvious dish to appear on a list of heartwarming, healing foods. While it's considered an American dish, there are hints of other cultures. A bowl of chicken noodle soup can help you get through a dreary winter day or a rough cold. 

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2. Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie isn't just for shepherds after a long day in the field with sheep. It's a global comfort food made with simple ingredients. A staple of British cuisine, you'll want to dig your fork into this pile of minced lamb, carrots, peas, and onions. 

File:Shepherd's pie (22470901009).jpgAbhinaba Basu from Redmond, United States on Wikimedia

3. Poutine

A French-Canadian classic that is so warm and gooey, it could probably heal a broken leg. Fresh-cut fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds, poutine is beloved throughout the world, and for good reason. 

File:Poutine.JPGJonathunder on Wikimedia

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4. Congee

Congee is a rice porridge from China that's simmered until it's perfectly silky and bursting with flavor. Congee is traditionally made with scallions, ginger, and soy sauce. This is one of Asian's most popular healing dishes. 

File:Cantonese rice porridge.JPGUser: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage on Wikimedia

5. Miso Soup

A small bowl of miso soup before a big sushi dinner is heavenly. However, a bowl of miso soup on its own, especially when you're sick, will help you forget your troubles. This simple soup has become a comfort food for so many people worldwide. 

white and blue ceramic bowl with soupWhite.Rainforest ™︎ ∙ 易雨白林. on Unsplash

6. Pho

Pho is an iconic Vietnamese noodle dish that can be enjoyed in restaurants all over the Western world. Enjoy a hot bowl filled with rice noodles, aromatic chicken or beef broth, fresh herbs, and lime. While it's similar to other Asian noodle dishes, there's nothing quite like it. 

a bowl of soup with noodles, meat and vegetablesAnanas J on Unsplash

7. Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is a beloved soup from the Jewish tradition that is so close to being a medical cure-all. A bowl of matzo ball soup when you're feeling down or have a cold is heartwarming and surprisingly hearty. There's a reason it's called "Jewish penicillin". 

a bowl of soup with meatballs and vegetablesUehara Photography on Unsplash

8. Gumbo

A staple of Creole and Cajun cuisines, gumbo is a thick, rich stew with seafood or chicken, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and celery. Gumbo is traditionally served over rice, and half a bowl can fill you up. 

a bowl of soup with a spoon in itDavid Trinks on Unsplash

9. Irish Stew

The climate in Ireland calls for a hearty bowl of stew. There are variations of Irish stew, but it's typically made with mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It's simple, humble, and will warm the heart of anyone who digs into a bowl. 

a white plate topped with bread and vegetablesBenjamin Demian on Unsplash

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10. Couscous with Vegetables

Couscous with vegetables might sound unexciting, but this Moroccan dish might be all you need whenever you're having a bad day. This meal is all about pairing root vegetables with couscous and a spiced broth. Use chickpeas if you're looking for a protein boost. 

cooked food in white ceramic bowlKarolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash

11. Chicken Pot Pie

Some will argue that this heartwarming dish is from the U.S., and others will argue that it's from the UK. Either way, chicken pot pie has a satisfying and creamy filling wrapped in a flaky crust. It's the perfect meal for late autumn when the weather starts to cool. 

white ceramic bowl with white creamJessica Kantak Bailey on Unsplash

12. Shakshuka 

Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. This dish is also popular in North Africa, and it's been gaining popularity across the world thanks to its ability to pick you up when you're sick. 

stainless steel fork on brown ceramic plateYoav Aziz on Unsplash

13. Arepas

Arepas are cornmeal patties that are fried or grilled and commonly filled with cheese, chicken, and beans. They provide optimal comfort and are versatile and portable. 

brown and white dish on black rectangular trayFrederick Medina on Unsplash

14. Cassoulet

If you're not feeling so well while visiting France, then head to a local bistro to order a cassoulet. This dish is a slow-cooked French casserole of white beans, sausages, and duck or goose confit. It's rich, filling, savory, and can give you the energy boost you need. 

File:Bowl of cassoulet.JPGBrokenSphere on Wikimedia

15. Pierogies

Pierogies are an Eastern European dish that has taken on many forms from around the world. It can be a street food or more upscale if you top it with poached lobster. Either way, eating even one will warm your heart and make you feel like you can take on the day. 

white cream on brown round bowlVictoria Shes on Unsplash

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16. Tom Yum Soup

This beloved hot-and-sour soup is made from some of Thailand's most iconic ingredients, including lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, shrimp, and mushrooms. It's packed with umami and is at the top of many people's list of their favorite global comfort food. 

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17. Hummus and Pita

Pairing warm and soft pita with a creamy hummus with strong hints of tahini and garlic is one of the most healing dishes anywhere in the world. You can eat it as a hot appetizer or the main. It doesn't matter. The garlic and lemon in the hummus offer immune-boosting properties, and this whole meal is nourishing. 

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18. Ramen

This Japanese soup is a complete meal. Its warmth and flavors will help you overcome even the worst colds. Ramen is known for its savory broth and noodles, which are topped with eggs, scallions, and seaweed.

ramen dish on brown ceramic bowlCrystal Jo on Unsplash

19. Mulligatawny Soup

Mulligatawny soup is a rich blend of turmeric, cumin, vegetables, lentils, rice, and chicken. Its warmth and big flavours make it a globally cherished dish. It's the perfect soup for a damp day or if you feel an illness coming on. 

a bowl of soup with a spoon in itYou Le on Unsplash

20. Risotto

Risotto is an Italian creamy rice dish cooked with a rich broth, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. You can heighten the dish with seafood, mushrooms, or a touch of saffron. Its velvety texture alone can make you feel better. 

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