HEARTWARMING COMFORT FOOD

The concept of comfort food originally comes from the United States and refers to meals that are especially familiar and comforting. The dishes evoke memories of home, family, or small moments of happiness. Whether it's stews, casseroles, warm soups, or mashed dishes; eating comfort food gives you a feeling of security and nostalgia.

A FRESH TWIST

Comfort food doesn't have to be too complicated. The dishes are always full and rich in flavor. When you take a bite, your worries disappear for a moment. 'We often add a fresh twist to our winter dishes,' says chef Jelle van der Linden from Van der Valk Hotel Breda. 'That makes it just a bit lighter and gives it a summery touch.' And that's exactly what you need when it's grim outside.

WINTER FAVORITES

There are those delightful, warming dishes that taste especially good when it's truly wintery weather. Think of a steaming bowl of soup, a traditional Dutch stamppot, or a wonderfully aromatic stew. Simple, yet full of flavor. Or give it a twist, like vegan red cabbage stamppot with smoked carrots, pumpkin soup with ginger, or a rendang stamppotje. Each one is a winner. And then Jelle's personal favorite: Reypenaer ravioli. 'The dish contains, as the name suggests, a lot of cheese, but it isn't as heavy on the stomach as you might initially think,' says Jelle. Desserts can also give you a really fine feeling. How about warm waffles with salted caramel and roasted hazelnuts to end the dinner? It doesn't get much better.

NICE HOME

For comfort food, you don't necessarily have to go out. Try making a big pot of pea soup at home, a juicy steak with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, or a simple but tasty stew. Whatever you choose, comfort food quickly makes you forget the cold outside. It's all about food that gives you a feeling of warmth, security, and pleasure. It’s everything that you enjoy. Sometimes comfort food offers solace, sometimes it just warms you up, but eating it is always a moment to enjoy. And with such delicious dishes, you can easily get through the winter days and summer suddenly seems a lot closer.