Comfort with a Twist
Picture this: Your favorite hot and hearty, rich and filling comfort foods with a healthier plant-based twist. Thanks to our partners at Nestlé Professional and Aramark Chef Tim Zintz we’re sharing some tips for adapting tried-and-true comfort food favorites into a plant-forward reality.
Presentation Is Key
Going plant-forward doesn’t have to upend your entire comfort-food routine! Continue to prepare and plate the food in the ways you normally would to maintain maximum appeal. “People eat first with their eyes, so a familiar plating helps with the perception,” says Nestlé Professional Corporate Chef Mary Locke. And as Chef Tim emphasizes, “Your guests usually won’t notice that there is something ‘missing.’”
Start Small
Try changing one thing at a time—like cutting back on the meat or cheese in Grandma’s lasagna, but not both—when you’re starting out. This is classic ingredient-swapping advice, notes Cassie Hoover, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager with Nestlé Professional.
Add a Little Extra
When in doubt, toss in another vegetable. From pumpkin in your chili to zucchini in your meatloaf, there are easy ways to add volume, nutrients, and layers of flavor. “It’ll be just enough to make your family say, ‘Hey, what is that something extra?’” shares Chef Mary. Get more tips and recipes on the blog.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.