With the cold snap rolling in across the country, comfort seems to be the order of the day. Here you’ll find plenty of it, including Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Parm, and a cozy Brothy Tortellini. And since baking is an excellent activity when you’re homebound, I’ve got not one, but two recipes to keep you busy. Stay warm, friends.
TURKEY CHILI STUFFED POTATOES
The combination of tender sweet potatoes with just-so-spicy turkey chili is a good one. It’s a one-dish meal that’s nourishing and flavorful. Up the fun factor by serving some toppings on the side, such as pickled jalapeños, salsa, diced avocado, or sour cream.
FARRO AND FIG SALAD WITH ARUGULA AND FETA
This farro is proof that you don’t need meat at the center of the plate to call it dinner. Add a simple vegetable on the side to fill out the meal, such as delicata squash. If your crew demands more protein on their plate, I’d suggest roast chicken (pick up a rotisserie one if you’re short on time).
BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN
Six ingredients including pantry staples is all it takes to make this healthier version of chicken Parm. You can pair it with any type of pasta, a side of veggies, and store-bought or this simple homemade sauce. It also freezes well if you want to make extra for another day.
SLOW COOKER LENTIL TACOS WITH INDIAN SPICES
Get lentils going in your slow cooker with Indian spices and you’ve got a mega nourishing filling for a twist on traditional tacos. Pile the lentils onto corn or flour tortillas and finish with yogurt, cilantro, and if you have some on hand, a favorite Indian chutney.
BROTHY TORTELLINI WITH SAUSAGE AND KALE
This dish lands somewhere between a pasta and a soup. It’s satisfying and nourishing, with everything you need for a balanced supper right in one bowl. Do up some garlic bread on the side if you’re in the mood.
WHOLE-GRAIN SCONES W/ COCONUT, DATES, AND WALNUTS
A friend made these scones for a tea she hosted a few days ago and reported them a hit. They’re entirely whole-grain, sweetened with chopped dates, and have walnuts and coconut add crunch and great flavor. They’re easy to make, just don’t overwork the dough. It will make your scones tough.
COWBOY COOKIES
If you’re like me and appreciate a cookie packed with goodies, this one’s for you. It’s both wholesome and decadent, made with oats, nut butter, chocolate, coconut, dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. Make a batch of dough and freeze half for another day. Bake the rest to tuck in the pantry for when a sweet tooth strikes.
SHOPPING LIST
Turkey Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
6 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
1 pound ground turkey
Two 15-ounce cans black beans
1 tablespoon ground chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
One 28-ounce can plum tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Favorite garnishes: lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, or scallions
Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula and Feta
1 cup farro
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons shallot
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ heaping teaspoon dried turmeric
¾ cup dried figs
2 gently packed cups arugula
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2 ounces)
Baked Chicken Parmesan
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (homemade or store-bought)
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 1/3 cups marinara sauce for serving
Slow Cooker Indian Lentil Tacos
1 1/2 cups French green lentils
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion
2 medium carrots
2-inch piece fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 small jalapeño pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
8 corn or small flour tortillas
Garnishes: cilantro, plain yogurt, Indian chutney
Brothy Tortellini with Sausage and Kale
One 9-ounce package fresh tortellini
2 links fresh spicy Italian sausage (about ⅔ pound)
¾ cup diced shallot (or yellow onion)
3 large cloves garlic
2/3 cup dry white wine
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade if you have it)
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Small chunk Parmesan cheese for grating
Whole-Grain Scones with Coconut, Dates, and Walnuts
1/2 cup teff flour or buckwheat flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates (about 7 Medjool dates)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cowboy Cookies
1 stick (4 ounces) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup almond butter (or cashew, peanut or sunflower)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled or quick oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons hemp (or chia or flax seeds)
1/2 cup dried cherries (or dried cranberries or dried apricots)
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