Comfort foods are cooking up in kitchens all across the country these days, whether it’s creamy summer salads, scrumptious dips, juicy burgers or cheesy pizza. No matter which dish is most requested at your house, one of the key ingredients is likely a canned item, including tomatoes, beans, fish, various produce and so on. You can’t beat the convenience, simplicity, flavor, nutrition and price tag. My pantry is fully stocked with these gems and I use them to whip up so many beloved, soothing meals that can help ease stress and ignite a smile. Check out a few recipes I make regularly and have been enjoying with my crew lately.

For more great recipes, tips and resources, check out Cans Get You Cooking.

Yes, you can! Create comfort food dishes using canned items

Comfort foods are cooking up in kitchens all across the country these days, whether it’s creamy summer salads, scrumptious dips, juicy burgers or cheesy pizza. No matter which dish is most requested at your house, one of the key ingredients is likely a canned item, including tomatoes, beans, fish, various produce and so on. You can’t beat the convenience, simplicity, flavor, nutrition and price tag. My pantry is fully stocked with these gems and I use them to whip up so many beloved, soothing meals that can help ease stress and ignite a smile. Check out a few recipes I make regularly and have been enjoying with my crew lately.

For more great recipes, tips and resources, check out Cans Get You Cooking.

Comfort Food Creations: Start with a creamy soup

Start with a creamy soup

Canned tomatoes are a standard in my pantry, and while sauce is an obvious way to let this star staple shine, I also like to use the lycopene-rich ingredient to whip up a good ol’ tomato soup. I go for a creamy spin in this recipe by adding protein-packed silken tofu. The tomatoes and carrots add a healthy dose of antioxidants for a double bonus. It’s tasty on its own or even better, I like to enjoy a comforting bowl with a grilled cheese sandwich. It brings me back to my childhood, but with a modern-day twist. Dipping optional…but highly recommended 🙂

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Comfort Food Creations: Whip up a better burger

Whip up a better burger

There’s nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a nice big, juicy burger. This clever comfort-food spin takes you on a flavorful trip to the Mediterranean with good-for-you ingredients like canned garbanzo beans, along with onion, garlic and spinach. Chickpeas contain tryptophan, which can help the body produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. Now that’s what I call a better burger.

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Comfort Food Creations: Enjoy this filling salad

Enjoy this filling salad

In this simple “out-of-the-can” salad, wild salmon pairs with chickpeas to deliver a satisfying lunch or dinner dish that comes together quickly and easily. This recipe provides a plethora of immune-strengthening and heart-healthy goodness; protein, fiber, omega-3 fats and vitamin D, so you can take comfort in the fact you are giving your body the nutrition you need. (You can easily swap in canned tuna if you prefer.) I like to serve it over greens but you can also make a sandwich using whole grain bread or pita. It’s flavorful, filling and fuss-free!

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Comfort Food Creations: Toss together a perfect pizza

Toss together a perfect pizza

Forget dialing for delivery. You can whip up your own pizza right at home using this delish recipe with a Greek spin. It calls for canned artichokes, one of my favorite foods because it’s loaded with antioxidants and fiber, as well as onions, canned mushrooms, olives and pesto. With a minimal amount of effort, you get to enjoy a savory slice of this indulgent, crowd-pleaser. Kick your feet up and dive into a slice (or two!).

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Comfort Food Creations: Finish off with dessert

 

Finish off with a delish dessert

Here’s a surprisingly sweet treat that relies on canned chickpeas instead of flour. It also calls for chamomile tea—you can’t taste the relaxing ingredient, and if you don’t have it, you can simply omit it. The result: A triple threat treat that’s calming, comforting and chocolatey. Enjoy ’em fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or a warm mug of chamomile tea for a double dose of zen!

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