3 spring comfort food recipes

Spring is in full bloom, and if nothing else, it’s beauty and lusciousness is lifting our spirits. This year, Spring is slightly different, and with these unusual circumstances, so are our diets. It’s important to stay healthy and not rely on food for emotional support. 

Below are some recipes that are light and refreshing while also providing a bit of comfort as we stay indoors. Think summer salad, winter comfort food hybrid! 

If you want to make these meals as high quality as possible, your choice of meat will make a huge difference. You'll want to order from the best meal delivery service or farm possible. Start looking online with this best Porter Road review before you try any of these recipes.

1) Warm Chicken Salad

There is still a bite in the air, so we’re not ready to get straight on the conventional salads just yet! This one is easy to change to include your favorite veggies and will satisfy you through the afternoon.

Serves one

Ingredients

• Sliced potatoes (one per person)
• Chicken breast (one per person)
• Broccoli
• Courgette/Zucchini
• 1 onion 
• Peas 
• Cherry or sun-dried tomatoes 
• Dressing (we like balsamic vinegar and a dash of lemon) and herbs of your choice 

Method

1. Heat a pan on medium heat with a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil. Meanwhile, slice all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and dice the chicken breast. 
2. Put the potatoes in the pan first, and cook for about 5-10 minutes until they soften slightly.
3. Add the chicken breast, broccoli, courgette/zucchini, peas, onion, herbs, and spices to the pan. Stir-fry until all the ingredients are thoroughly cooked.
4. Toss in the tomatoes to let them heat through. 
5. Voila! Plate up and drizzle your favorite salad dressing over your food.

2) Jackfruit Quesadillas 

It’s hard to dislike quesadillas as they’re so easy to make and absolutely delicious. If you love your meat, substitute jackfruit for pulled pork or minced beef. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 tortilla wraps
• 1 large red onion
• 2 red or yellow peppers
• 400g jackfruit or meat equivalent
• 80g grated cheddar cheese 
• 2 tsp smoked paprika 
• 2 tsp cayenne powder
• Salsa, guacamole and sour cream (optional) to serve. 

Method

1. If using jackfruit, marinate it in spices and/or a spicy sauce a few hours before cooking. This will provide more depth of flavor.
2. Sauté all the vegetables and protein with the smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown. 
3. Heat another non-stick pan and splash in some oil.
4. Place a tortilla on the non-stick pan and fill half with an appropriate amount of the quesadilla mix. Sprinkle over some cheese. Fold over the wrap and let the bottom side cook for about 3-5 minutes.
5. With your utmost culinary precision, use a spatula to turn the quesadilla over to cook the other side until golden.
6. Plate up and cut the wrap in half, making two triangles. Enjoy with Mexican-style dips.

3) BBQ Sticky Pork Chops

These pork chops are juicy, flavorsome, and work perfectly for a light lunch.

Serves one

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops

For the marinade

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1 tsp dry sherry, or Shaohsing rice wine
• small piece of grated garlic
• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Salad

• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 shallot sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced lengthways 
• small bunch mint
• 50g roasted peanuts, chopped

Method

1. Coat the pork chops in the marinade at least 30 mins before cooking.
2. For the salad: mix lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Put the cucumber in a serving dish, sprinkle over the peanuts, shallots and dressing. 
3. Heat up a griddle (or BBQ if you’re feeling adventurous) and cook the pork chops for 5-10 minutes until cooked.

Now is the time for experimenting with your food, and hopefully these recipes will delight and inspire you.

Bon Appetit!