Just Comfort Food

Comfort Me With Food

It’s cold outside, and here in Minnesota, we’ve been cocooning for weeks. At times like this, it’s hard to keep from face-planting into anything at all that seems like it might replace the energizing effects of sunshine and warmth. Sugar, Salt and Fat are sending out a siren call. At times like this, I look for comfort food that packs a bunch of flavor, creaminess, and yes, real food goodness. A Creamy Roots Puree with Curry Cashew Gravy hits the spot.

Steamed Until Butter-Soft

Why Roots?

First and foremost, I have no beef with potatoes. I forget about them, honestly, because I’m thinking about whole grains when I put my menus together. I’m not potato-phobic, or anti-carb. But when it comes to a creamy, silky mash, I really think parsnips are so much sexier. Parsnips are like the sweet, mildly earthy cousin of the potato, once you cook them. For this puree, I snagged a huge turnip, really, it counted as two turnips. It’s my laziness that calls me to big vegetables, thinking, “I’ll only have to peel one!” and this turnip looked smooth and fresh, so there was no fear of it being a woody monster root.

Spice it up with Curry

From there, it was a matter of sauce. I had my fill of meaty tasting miso gravies over the holidays, so I was in the mood for something a little spicier. That craving for comfort food dictated that I wanted creaminess, so I went with raw cashews, for a rich, thick base. Curry spices felt warming and complex enough to keep me interested. I had fresh turmeric on hand for juices and smoothies, and love to add that to dishes as often as it makes sense. I’ve written about the incredible health benefits of turmeric before here, with a recipe for dal, too. I’m dedicated to keeping my brain as healthy as possible, and turmeric is part of that plan.

Creamy Roots Puree with Curry Cashew Gravy

So, yes, I ate it with a spoon, without expending any energy on pesky chewing. This would make a great side dish for a big salad, covered with Cauliflower and Spiced Nuts, or alongside a mess of Channa Dal. Kamut Naan with Banana Chutney would be divine.  Cauliflower Biryani would be another unexpected twist to serve alongside. A samosa or some Chapati might also be a good accompaniment. If you’re up for it, my Nut Curry Stuffed Squashes are a showstopper of a main course.

It’s starting to feel like winter won’t last forever, so you might as well give yourself over to comfort food that makes you feel good in your body. Warm up with real food.