Our select few comfort foods are inarguably the most delicious food ever. They never fail in making our hearts happy. One bite into these wholesome meals transports us to heaven. Be it the piping hot dal khichdi, rajma chawal or simple roti and sabji, these meals don’t just satiate the taste buds but also offer many health benefits. Ahead of World Nutrition Day 2023, celebrated annually on May 28, we have four celebrity chefs including Sanjeev Kapoor and Ranveer Brar share with us the health benefits of some of our favourite comfort foods. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Sanjeev Kapoor 
The chef picks Rajma Chawal as comfort food. There is something very comforting about eating a food item that has been around for generations. Rajma Chawal is just that. It’s a nostalgic combination that ticks all the boxes, from being a well-balanced meal that has the essential macronutrients and micronutrients, to having lots of flavour and spices. The dish is rich in carbohydrates, protein and fibre. It is usually also served with salad and sometimes sabzi, both of which add to the nutritional quotient.

Kunal Kapoor
For Chef Kapoor, a multigrain dosa is a healthy comfort food. This dosa with moong dal, chana dal, urad, jowar, bajra, methi dana and rice, is a good meal. The ingredients for making a meal like a multi-grain dosa offer multiple benefits. Rice is a good carbohydrate, and moong dal is low in fat, and has high protein content. It is rich in dietary fibre, essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, and vitamins like folate and B6. Besides, fermentation improves gut health, makes the food rich in essential amino acids, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, and increases absorption of nutrients like vitamin B, iron and zinc.

Vicky Ratnani
A great wholesome preparation that Chef Ratnani recommends is a  pumpkin khichdi with jowar, bajra, masoor dal, and moong dal. Millets, as we know, are nutritious and gluten-free. Masoor dal and urad dal are rich in proteins. The preparation has good fats as well when you cook it with olive oil. It is truly a balanced, one-pot meal, which can make you feel satiated. You can add carrots, butter-nut and squashed peas as well, which will increase the content of complex carbohydrates in it. Adding fermented chillies and pickles will also enhance the flavour. They are a good probiotic too. You can serve it with cucumber and til raita. 

Ranveer Brar
This celebrity chef recommends proso millet pizza as a healthy comfort food. This pizza is apt for the making of the desired crust, without compromising on the taste or texture. Add your favourite veggies and this wholesome and enjoyable dish is ready! You can combine the millet flour with mashed sweet potato, salt, and Italian seasoning, and knead it into a soft dough. Sautéed vegetables like baby corn, mushroom, and black olives can be used, and Italian seasoning, basil leaves, and some more cheese can be added if needed. This dish scores high on the nutrition metre and provides wholesome nourishment at various levels.