As the persistent rain continues, a little comfort goes a long way. For me comfort means many things: a warm home, family nearby, a hot shower, friends to chat with, my bathrobe and a good book...and most definitely food! To some degree we all agree on which foods are "comfort foods" - like perhaps mac and cheese. Yet everyone seems to have that special dish (or two) that really is their go-to comfort food. Screams comfort. Or more likely, relaxes you into a full belly of overeating anonymous.
For this soggy spring, I thought I would go through the family and make their special comfort food.
We started last night with my son.
Tacos.
Let's break it down.
My son adores blue corn hard taco shells filled with black beans and shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese. We make this every season of the year (although, especially good in hot weather because it requires little cooking.) I have tried all kinds of sides or possible fillings - onions and peppers, sour cream, avocado, meat - but he likes these tacos as basic as basic can be. And he usually eats about 7 tacos! Seven! I do worry about him keeping all these bean and cheese tacos down but so far so good. Phew.
Often I add some raw sliced red or green pepper on the side which he will happily chomp on. And lately, I have been making Spanish Rice which is simple and yummy and always-on-the-side if you are my boy. Some people may consider putting it into their taco...
Spanish Rice
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups rice (I usually use long grain, white rice)
3 -4 cups warm chicken stock
1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
Brown rice in oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic until soft. Turn down heat and add 3 cups warm broth, tomatoes and spices to rice and bring to boil. Then simmer with lid mostly on for 15-25 minutes, adding more broth if needed. Turn off and cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
Last night we also roasted asparagus, which is fresh and delicious this time of year. And so good roasted - 350 degrees with a little salt and olive oil for about 15 minutes.
And one boy's comfort food has become a family favorite.
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