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Comforting, But Not TOO Comforting

Dinners that hug you just the right amount.

Published December 13, 2021

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Mediterranean Gratin with Almond Breadcrumbs. All photos: Aya Brackett

It’s official: The season of the holiday has set itself deep into my bones. I’m tired, overwhelmed, and feeling constantly full, yet still wanting to snack and drink all the time. A problem for the ages! This week, I want to continue eating foods that invoke the word “comforting,” yet don’t prompt a hangover the next day. I think today’s four recipes check both those boxes, which include a Mediterranean Gratin with Almond Breadcrumbs, Beetballs with Red Pepper Crema, Cauliflower Tacos, and Cheese Enchiladas for this week’s budget recipe.

Mediterranean Gratin with Almond Breadcrumbs

Mark wrote about this baked pasta over on The Beet. The combination of ingredients is a really good one, he says: Bitter greens and caramelized onions, with hearty whole-wheat pasta. It’s important not to overcook the pasta—it should be pliable but not yet edible when you drain it. And, you can do all of that in advance. Then you toast some almonds, pulse them with bread, parsley, and oil—as good a combination as exists in the world—and that’s your topping. No cheese necessary.

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