Recipes to fill you up, not weigh you down.
Don’t get me wrong—I love all the rich, over-the-top dishes we whip up for holiday gatherings. From tender briskets and gooey cheese dips to sugar-dusted cookies and crispy latkes, it’s undeniably a season of joyful eating. But sometimes—and I know I’m not alone in this—too many nights of merrymaking leaves my stomach a little queasy. In those moments, I find myself craving the comfort of vegetables and other lighter fare that will fill me up but not weigh me down.
Now, everyone has their own version of a restorative meal. I turn to soups and stews, but it can be just as satisfying to make yourself fluffy pilaf, a hearty salad, or a beautiful piece of delicate fish. Below, I’ve gathered 17 recipes that make me feel a little more balanced and grounded during this spirited time. I'll have these on repeat over the coming weeks (before heading back to those cookies).
Tell us your favorite dish to balance out your holiday season in the comments below!
Join the Conversation
See what other Food52 readers are saying.
Comment