World's 10 Most Delicious Comfort Foods (Slideshow)
Koshary, Egypt
It seems like such a simple dish — rice, brown lentils, chickpeas, and pasta topped off with tangy tomato sauce and caramelized onions — but Koshary (or Koshari) is packed full of rich flavors. While it really is a derivative of the older Indian dish Kitchiri (meaning rice and lentils) this food is considered to be the national dish of Egypt and is easy to find, from restaurants to food stalls and household kitchens. (Photo Modified: Flickr/ Hossam el-Hamalawy)
Pizza, U.S.A
Dating back to the 1800s, pizza was first eaten in Naples along the thriving waterfront as a quick and easy meal for poor sailors and deckhands. Today it's the go-to-food for most western cultures, the combination of gooey-cheese with basil and tomato sauce on a crunchy base (or doughy base, or gluten-free base, depending on your preference) is the perfect combination of rich flavors and cheesy comfort. And the best part is that there are endless varieties — there's pepperoni, anchovies, artichoke, or even just seven cheeses. You can pimp your pizza as much as you want to make it your perfect comfort food. (Photo Modified: Flickr/ ginny)
Butter Chicken, India
Also known as murg makhani, butter chicken is a classic north Indian dish which combines pieces of cooked chicken in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. Butter chicken is widely believed to have been created for the first time by Sew Delhi restaurant Moti Mahal, located in Daryaganj. Spicy, creamy, flavorful, and slightly tangy-sweet, it's the perfect food to eat after a long day or on a cold night, usually with naan, roti, parathas or steamed rice. (Photo Modified: Flickr/cyclonebill)
Poutine, Canada
This may be a Quebec specialty but poutine is a beloved comfort food for many Canadians who affectionately refer to it as "a heart-attack in a bowl." It's really a huge plate of French fries smothered in cheese curds (the solid parts of curdled milk) and drowned in steaming hot gravy. Sometimes some extra cheese is melted over the top (depending, probably, on how much comfort you really need). Not only is it warm and heartening, but some late-night revelers also claim it can magically prevent hangovers. (Photo Modifed: Flickr/ Ben Sutherland)
Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, U.S.A
Whether eaten together, enjoyed solo, or even with waffles and bacon bits respectively, both fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes are hearty Southern U.S. comfort foods. Fried chicken is juicy, crunchy, and salty, and tends to remind us of our childhoods, which can be instantly comforting. Mashed potatoes tend to do the same, though the added warmth and creaminess of the starch adds another layer of comfort to the dish. (Photo Modified: Flickr/ Steven Depolo)
Kartoffelpuffern, Germany
It's the ultimate potato comfort food for most Germans (and Austrians) and is a lot like Eastern European pierogis — they're fried potato pancakes topped with applesauce that are equal parts substantial and delicious. Sometimes it's also eaten with a dollop of sour cream, and if you really want to take it up a notch throw in some lox and pieces of bacon.
Pernil, Brazil
This pork shoulder dish has all the traditional flavors and spices of Brazil — with cumin, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and garlic — and is slow-roasted until the pork is juicy and tender enough to melt off the bone. The meat is then usually shredded and served stewed in its juices with plantains and vegetables. (Photo Modified: Flickr/ Jason Lam)
Golubtsy, Russia
This is not only most Russian people's favorite comfort food it's also considered its national dish. Golubtsy (or Golubtsi) is hearty and loved for its close resemblance to your Russian mother's best home cooking: boiled cabbage stuffed with ground beef, pork, onions, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes. The idea is that eating a plate of this should leave you feeling completely stuffed and satisfied like a bird (the word "golub" in Russian actually means "pigeon").
Chilaquiles, Mexico
Usually eaten as a hearty and comforting breakfast, chilaquiles are tortilla chips, tomato salsa, and cheese. Eggs are often added to make this dish a lot heartier and the ideal go-to-breakfast snack. Ideally, the corn chips should be a day or two old (not completely fresh, drier tortilla chip work better for this), the tomato salsa should have a spicy bite, and the dish is topped with epzote, a strongly flavored Mexican herb which has been used in Mexican cooking since the days of the Aztecs. It's similar to migas, a dish which is popular in Tex-Mex cuisine. (Photo Modified: Flickr/ Joy)
Ice Cream, U.S.
Whether it's the deluxe, rich Italian gelato variety, or just a generic store-bought tub, ice cream is perhaps one of the greatest comfort foods around the world. No matter what your culture or age, a big glorious bowl of ice cream will comfort almost anyone. The origins of ice cream go back all the way to the second century B.C. though no-one is entirely sure who ate it first. Alexander the Great was known to enjoy snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar and even King Solomon was fond of drinking flavored iced drinks during the harvest time. With an endless variety of flavors (from the simple vanilla or chocolate to the more adventurous green tea and jalapeño), there are countless options for you to find just the right kind of comfort. (Photo Modified: Flickr_St0rmz)