Comfort Food: A taste of Home, A Hug in Every Bite - Eats and Treats by Tania Rebello

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: tania@newsobahrain.com

During my teenage years, I would never be able to express what my comfort food was. I did not understand the concept, but I knew the feeling. Every spoonful was like an embrace, a journey from within to a place of serenity, a warm feeling in my tummy, a signal to calm down, and an uncontrollable urge to smile contentedly.

As a grown-up, I understand and treasure this knowledge and experience. ‘Comfort’ means physical ease and freedom from pain and constraint.

It also means the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. Now, comfort food is more than just a plate of food you enjoy. Think of a nostalgic meal that creates a sense of comfort; you get the picture. People have been drawn to certain foods to make them feel better, ease stress, or recover from a bad day. You cannot pinpoint foods that can be classified as ‘comfort foods’ because it depends on various factors, such as the country you come from and childhood memories, and it certainly depends on how you feel after a meal.

Stress eating is very different from eating a comfort meal. Stress-eating is when you mindlessly eat anything you can lay your hands on, and before you know it, you have eaten a bag of chips, a tub of ice cream or five bars of chocolate! This often results in a bout of anxiety, a frenzied feeling and a sudden dip in mood, which is contrary to what you would experience with a comfort meal. Comfort food is a mindful experience of consuming food that works on your emotions and brings you joy while eliminating negative feelings and thoughts.

Think of it as a distraction and a powerful way to heal from within. Never underestimate the power of a comfort meal. In a world of stress and turmoil, your comfort food can provide security, ease the day’s pressure, and calm you down. While in Europe, a bowl of beef stew may be a comfort meal to many, in India, you would find many people talking about biryani or lentils and rice. East Asians would find solace in a bowl of ramen.

The common factor between the three dishes is the temperature at which it is served and the flavours and textures that contribute to a sense of warmth and healing from within. The nutrients in the meal further aid in making you feel a certain way, so it is not a placebo but an authentic experience. Take a moment to think about your comfort meal- what brings you that warm, familiar feeling? Try this warm and comforting beef stew recipe by chef and cookbook author Mary Berry.