Written by: Harnoor Chahal
Edited by: Thomas Lusa
Designed by: Alishba Khursheed
Published by: Rayna Almas
In this article, we will discuss comfort food. Comfort food, like soup on a cold day, brings warmth and solace. It also connects us to our culture and personal memories. These dishes often showcase a country’s history, traditions, and regional flavours. Every country has a beloved comfort food, so today, let’s explore some cherished comfort foods from Canada, Italy, Japan, and Hungary.
Starting with Canada, we have the iconic Poutine. Poutine is a classic Canadian comfort food that originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. This mouthwatering dish consists of crispy French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in rich brown gravy. It’s a popular choice among Canadians and can be found in many fast-food places, it’s also a must-have dish for family dinners. The combination of hot fries, gooey cheese, and savoury gravy creates a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly weather.
Next, we have Italy and its famous comfort food, Lasagna. Lasagna is a classic dish made with layers of flat pasta, meat sauce, creamy cheese, and béchamel sauce, baked in the oven until golden and bubbling. Every region in Italy has its version of lasagna, but the most popular include ground beef or pork, tomatoes, and mozzarella. This dish is often served during family gatherings and holidays, symbolizing warmth, love, and togetherness. The layers of pasta and sauce combine to create a rich, comforting meal that’s cherished worldwide.
Curry rice is a popular comfort food in Japan. This dish features a flavorful curry sauce that includes ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, often combined with meat such as chicken, beef, or pork. The curry is poured over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, making it a simple yet delicious meal. Curry rice is a staple in Japanese households and is often enjoyed with pickled vegetables on the side. It’s an ideal dish for warming up during colder months and has become a favourite among people of all ages. Japanese curry rice is different from Indian curry rice as it contains meat and a variety of vegetables but the Indian curry doesn’t contain meat and is made with buttermilk.
Lastly, in Hungary, Goulash Soup is a beloved comfort food. Goulash is a rich, hearty soup made with beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and paprika, which gives it its signature flavour. This dish has been enjoyed by Hungarians for centuries and is frequently served with crusty bread. Goulash is filling and comforting, making it perfect for cold winter days. Its blend of tender meat and vegetables in a spicy broth creates a soul-warming dish that brings comfort to anyone who eats it.
Comfort foods like poutine, lasagna, curry rice, and goulash soup not only taste fantastic but also connect us to the culture and traditions of each country. These dishes provide a nostalgic reminder of home, family, and the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s a bowl of hot soup or a plate of cheesy fries, comfort food has a way of making us feel good, no matter where we are in the world.
Sources
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/poutine
https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-lasagna-recipe-2014321
https://www.japancentre.com/en/recipes/95-japanese-curry-rice
https://www.hungarianfood.com/goulash-soup/