7 Easy Comfort Food Recipes From Around The World

During this time of uncertainty, one excellent way to cope is to turn to comfort food recipes. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are relying on home-cooked meals to take the place of our regular quota of takeout food. But, if you’re tired of making your regular rotation of dishes, why not branch out and explore what other countries around the world consider to be comfort food?

From frikandel (fried sausage) and omurice (omelette with rice), these delicious comfort foods from around the world are sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes a dish just knows how to convey so much more than words ever could. Here are 14 comfort food recipes you can try tonight.

# Russia: Blini

Blini are small Russian pancakes, usually made of wheat or buckwheat flour. They’re traditionally served with butter, sour cream or fruit jam, though you can mix it up a bit and opt for some savoury ingredients like caviar or smoked salmon (or chicken and mushroom if you’re on a budget).

# Serbia: Prebranac

A popular comfort food in the Balkans, prebranac (also known as pasulj or grah), is a baked-bean soup made of white beans or pinto beans. You can also add smoked bacon, sausage or Han to make it a more hearty meal.

# Czech Republic: Smažený Sýr

Smažený sýr meaning “fried cheese” is a Czech cheese-based dish that is widely consumed as a comfort food. A thick slice of Gruyère or Edam is breaded with flour, egg, and bread crumbs, deep-fried and then served with tartar sauce and a side salad. It’s also a common street food in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia.

# Denmark: Biksemad

Biksemad (which is also called pyttipanna in Norway and Sweden) is a simple hash of meat and veggies that lets you use up all your leftovers. It usually includes pork or sausages, onions, carrots, and potatoes, and is often topped with an egg. See how to make this easy recipe yourself here.

# Netherlands: Frikandel

This traditional Dutch snack originated from the “Low Countries” (Netherlands, Belgium, and the north of France) and includes a fried, skinless sausage served with mayonnaise or ketchup. The sausage can also cut like a hot dog bun and stuffed with chopped onions.

# Germany: Käsespätzle

Literally translating to “spätzle with cheese”, this German comfort food is incredibly similar to mac ‘n’ cheese. It consists of spätzle (or egg noodles) layered with grated cheese and finally topped with fried onions of sauerkraut.

# Italy: Minestrone

A hearty Italian soup that’s made with vegetables and pasta, and garnished with tons of Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s filling enough to have as a main course and can be everything from vegan to full of meat. There’s no set recipe, as you’re supposed to tailor the ingredients to your taste.