Top 15 healthy comfort food recipes

Discover our full range of healthy recipes or try a selection of our healthy family recipes such as our healthy lasagne or easy butter chicken.

Healthy mains

1. Healthy chicken pasta bake

Who says a pasta bake can't be healthy? We've used chicken, basil and smoked paprika for maximum flavour in this dish. Wholemeal penne soaks up the rich and vibrant tomato juices, while olives and chilli powder add extra piquancy. It takes just 10 minutes of prep time, then you can let the oven do the rest of the work.

Try our healthy chicken pasta bake and discover more healthy pasta recipes.

2. Cauliflower & green bean curry

No one will guess that this flavourful vegan dish is healthy, low in calories and low in fat while providing four of your five-a-day. Garam masala and Chinese five-spice powder add layers of flavour to the chunky veg, while coconut yogurt gives it a luxuriously creamy texture without the extra calories.

Try our cauliflower & green bean curry and check out more healthy curry recipes.

3. Pork & apple stew with parsley & thyme dumplings

Proof dumplings can be healthy. These wholesome bites use spelt flour and are cooked on top of the stew, so they absorb the flavours of cider, mustard and apple without the need for extra oil. With three of your five-a-day and plenty of fibre, this is a truly warming and nutritious supper.

Try our pork & apple stew with parsley & thyme dumplings, then browse more healthy casserole and stew recipes.

4. Shakshuka

Is there a more comforting start to the day than a steaming pan of shakshuka? Eggs are perfectly poached in a smoky, spiced tomato sauce, packed with peppers, onions and fresh herbs.

Try our healthy shakshuka and see more healthy brunch recipes.

5. Jerk chicken burger

Our list of classic comfort food wouldn’t be complete without a burger. Be transported to sunnier climbs with lean chicken breasts chargrilled with jerk seasoning, then sandwiched between soft buns with mango, tomato and lettuce. This hits every taste bud for a satisfying and healthy burger option.

Try our jerk chicken burger and find more healthy burger recipes.

6. Super-quick vegetarian ramen

Sometimes the comfort of a dish lies in the ease of its preparation. If you’re looking for a super-quick solution to your comfort food cravings, this healthy veggie ramen ticks all the boxes. It’s warming, flavourful, low in calories and cheap to make – what more could you want?

Try our super-quick vegetarian ramen and stir up more healthy soup recipes.

7. Cajun prawn pizza

Who said pizza has to be unhealthy? This recipe ditches cheese in favour of juicy smoked prawns. A wholemeal flour base offers a boost of fibre, while peppers, tomatoes and celery add a nutritious hit.

Try our cajun prawn pizza and also check out more healthy pizza recipes.

8. Healthy chicken katsu curry

A Friday night takeaway favourite, katsu is notorious for being on the heavy side, but we've come up with some handy tricks to make it healthier. The chicken breasts are coated in finely chopped flaked almonds rather than breadcrumbs, and baked in the oven instead of frying. The homemade sauce is packed with spices and still manages to achieve a thick texture by using wholemeal flour rather than cream. We've also paired the dish with a fresh carrot and cucumber salad to boost your veg intake.

Try our healthy chicken katsu curry and enjoy more healthy takeaway recipes.

9. Slow cooker vegetable lasagne

We've combined two comfort food classics in a warming veggie lasagne with ratatouille sauce. Wholemeal lasagne sheets are layered between melty aubergine slices and sauce, then topped with vegetarian buffalo mozzarella for a gorgeously gooey finish. This veg-packed dish scores all five of your five-a-day and is sure to be popular with kids, too.

Try this slow cooker vegetable lasagne and check out more healthy slow cooker meals.

10. Vegan chilli

Swap mince for plenty of chunky veg, pulses and spices in this punchy chilli. As well as delivering all five of your five-a-day, it's low in fat and gluten-free. Serve it with rice, guacamole and lime wedges or in jacket potatoes for a filling supper. Make a batch of vegan chilli in advance and freeze it for a busy weeknight, or you can alternatively toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker instead for a fuss-free meal.

Try this vegan chilli and check out more healthy chilli recipes.

Healthy desserts

11. Healthy chocolate brownies

Yes, that's right. By making just a few healthy swaps, you can turn decadent brownies into a healthy treat. These moreish bites are made using xylitol as a sugar replacement, Greek yogurt for moisture, cocoa powder for an intense chocolate hit and a surprise ingredient: black beans. Simply blitz, bake and enjoy.

Try our healthy chocolate brownies and check out our low-sugar baking recipes.

12. Frozen strawberry yogurt

Hurrah for healthy ice cream – well, kind of! This super-easy frozen yogurt provides all the creamy sweetness you want from an ice cream recipe, without the calories. With only three ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch and keep it in the freezer for days when you need a creamy treat.

Try our frozen strawberry yogurt and treat yourself to more healthy dessert recipes.

13. Chocolate & berry mousse pots

Try our chocolate & berry mousse pots for times when only chocolate will do. This smooth and creamy mousse uses rich dark chocolate and low-fat yogurt to create an indulgence in disguise.

14. Healthy spiced rice pudding

Nothing says comfort like a creamy rice pudding. This spiced version offers a lighter take on the classic stodgy dessert and also makes the most of simple storecupboard ingredients. Using wholegrain rice raises the fibre levels while cinnamon, mixed spice and nutmeg give the impression of sweetness. We've used semi-skimmed milk and a hint of butter, but you can easily swap it for plant-based alternatives. Finish with a drizzle of honey and scattering of fruit for a wholesome and satisfying dessert.

Try our healthy spiced rice pudding

15. Chocolate chia pudding

Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Use them in porridge, jam or bakes, or as the base for a simple and speedy chocolate 'pudding' topped with berries. This rich and creamy vegan dessert is flavoured with cacao powder and maple syrup, while chia seeds act as a thickening agents. Whip it up in just 5 minutes, then leave overnight to thicken in the fridge.

Try this chocolate chia pudding and find more chia seed recipes.

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What comfort food would you like to be healthier? We'd love to hear your suggestions below...