You might have encountered the word “comfort food” for quite some time, but do you know its actual meaning? Well, you may say that it is nothing but the go-to platters that your online food delivery list possesses or something else. But that is not a solid answer and you know it. The good news is- you are not alone in this know-how, rather many gourmets are trying to figure it out. In India, it might be something Continental or American fast foods like Pizzas, Burgers, Salads, or Soups or it might be totally Indian like Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, etc.
So, if you go by the definition, it states that comfort food points out to the platters that bring you a sense of well-being. It denotes a connection to positive emotions and memories and can help deal with anxiety, stress, or when you are just feeling down.
Imagine the times when you got a warm bowl of soup from your dear ones when you were sick of cold last time, or a bite of Pav Bhaji, last Sunday with your friends at a cozy house party. Thinking about them makes you feel good and happy, right?
Sometimes you will notice that the aromas of such foods take you back to those emotions, especially if they resonate with childhood times. That defines why comfort foods vary from one person to the other. We’ve all got our own set of experiences with foods that shaped our preferences for comfort.
For your closest friend, it may be a sweet dish that brings him or her emotional comfort, while you might recall your happy moments the minute you start having a tasty salad with plenty of veggies. For most people out there, it has almost similar characteristics: fats, carbohydrates, and high levels of calories. And it’s these nutrients that induce the feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Some Attributes of Comfort Food
By now, you must have some idea regarding the attributes of comfort food, but still, let us go through them to awaken your inner gourmet-
- Emotional connection
Comfort food fosters emotional connection. As described earlier, it links to our nervous system and brings back both happy and sad times from our past. This connection can relate to various aspects of the human being.
- Memories and Nostalgia
The soup example as given earlier in this blog, would be the best reference to this characteristic. It “transports” you through your past moments.
- Stress Relief
Whether it’s your office commotion, or a family going through some hard time, all of these situations can lead you to stress over them. This, in turn, makes your body call for foods that are high in sugars and fats. Once you have the item, it triggers your brain to release the much-needed serotonin and dopamine, contributing to happy feelings and relaxation. Some bite of your favourite cookies or a meal with spicy chicken curry might work wonders in lifting up your spirits.
Well, that was the non-materialistic characteristics, let us now venture into the physical ones-
- If you are a gourmet, you might notice that most comfort foods have a very pleasing texture. There is a high chance that the platter or item has a creamy, crispy texture that resembles that of a mashed potato or the subtle crisp outer layer of a fried chicken.
- When it comes to flavor profiles, comfort food generally involves platters that are rich, tangy, and sometimes sweet. And all the levels are good enough to tantalize your taste buds till it gets to your stomach.
- As mentioned earlier, the aromas are a powerful catalyst here which reminds you of your favorite time. So, this was the last one.
Now that you have gone through the entire significance of “comfort food”, you have earned the badge of a scout gourmet. Why scout? Because you have yet to discover the most common comfort food of Indians. Please note that we won’t be discussing any American or Continental items and it will be focussed only on the Indian platters. Let’s dive into them one by one-
- Rajma Chawal
Originated in the state of Punjab, this platter is a nutritious comfort food that not only satisfies the taste buds but also the appetite of many people. It is served with steamed rice and creamy kidney beans, infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Every spoon of this soulful dish will remind you of your home if you have just shifted to a new place for studies or a job.
- Chicken Curry-
A non-veg comfort food that is popular throughout the country. It is celebrated across states and not bounded by the age factor or culture. The tender and succulent texture of the chicken along with bursts of spices is what brings people back to relish this item, over and over again.
- Poha
A vegetarian’s favorite, especially as a comfort breakfast. Here the rice flakes, treated with green chilis and mustard seeds bring you an aromatic tale that you will remember for a long period of time. Most gourmets prefer to savor it alone or with a hot cup of tea.
- Palak Paneer
Though another vegetarian’s favorite, it is also celebrated among non-veg Indians as well. The soft texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, replenishes the need of non-vegetarians looking for meaty items. And with a subtle involvement of palak (i.e. spinach) coupled with vibrant spices, it is the perfect platter as a comfort food, you can ever think of as an Indian. Try it with hot chapatis, the next time you order online or savour it from the nearby traditional restaurant.
- Chole Bhature
A very interesting item among all the comfort foods listed here because it brings out the typical Indian street side flavors to the table. It is served with a spicy chickpea curry with soft and fluffy textured deep-fried bread. The rich flavors of the curry coming from the tomatoes and mixed Indian spices contrast the bread, and that is what marks it as the most demanding comfort food who love the raw taste of Indian savories.
- Dal Tadka
Yet another go-to comfort food when it comes to lunch or dinner in an Indian household. The tempering taste of lentils (either yellow or red) fuelled by ghee, red chilis, cumin, and mustard seeds makes a culinary delight that has the potential to etch its name in your memory for a long period. You can treat it as a side dish or you can enjoy it solo like a comforting meal.
Conclusion
Now that you have the complete fundamental knowledge of Indian comfort foods, you can call yourself an expert in this realm. Implement this knowledge when you are ordering online or suggesting someone in your circle.
The best step you can take when ordering online is to get your hands on a legitimate platform like the Swiggy website. So, what it does is- based on your input of any of the comfort food that you deem fit, it suggests some of the similar items that people generally order. This saves both time and energy, right?
And that’s not the sole catch in this expedition of yours. Along with a seamless UI, it also evangelizes you about the platter and what ingredients it involves so that you are aware of the entire platter that you are going to order. Sometimes people get to savor within a very affordable price point through surprise coupon discounts. Who knows, you might be the next person. So, start experimenting with your comfort foods today with Swiggy, to step on a memorable note.