5 Essential Comfort Food Recipes & Wines to Pair With

There’s something magical about comfort food—the heavenly aromas filling the kitchen, that first delicious bite, and the pleasure of gathering your favorite people around the table.

In the spirit of “Cozy Season” I’m thrilled to share five of my favorite comfort food recipes, each with a soulful wine pairing to make the meal even more memorable. These are dishes to linger over, pour another splash, and savor the simple joy of being together. I hope they bring as much warmth and happiness to your table as they have to ours.

And if you’re fortunate enough to be in the mountains enjoying the glorious fall foliage, please swing by and see us at Highlands Wine Shoppe! We’d love to hear about your leaf-peeping adventures + help you find the perfect bottles for your own cozy evenings ~ Cheers!

1.) Smoky Stuffed Cabbage Soup: This favorite, inspired by my husband's Ukrainian heritage, includes delicious Savoy cabbage, ground beef and pork, fresh dill, tomatoes and garlic in a savory, smoky-paprika infused broth.

Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Barbera d'Asti or Dolcetto from Piedmont

2.) Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons: I always found this delicious North African dish daunting because I thought I had to buy special equipment to make it. But guess what? I was WRONG! Featuring mouthwatering flavors of chicken thighs, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cilantro and green olives, you are guaranteed to enjoy.

Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like a Godello or Rioja Blanco

3.) Arroz con Pollo (Spanish Chicken & Rice): This delicious, Spanish-inspired dish is a classic one pot meal. So if time is an issue, opt for this comfort food recipe which features meaty chicken pieces, piquillo peppers, saffron and dry white wine. The dish's beautiful colors make a dazzling presentation as well.

Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like an Albariño or Viura.

4.) Quick Coq au Vin: This dish is a Glamorous Gourmet favorite and French comfort food at its best! A riff on the famed classic French recipe from Burgundy, this reimagined "quick" version can be on the table and ready to eat in under an hour AND packs oodles of delicious flavor.

Wine Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a hearty red Burgundy or Cru Beaujolais.

5.) Lamb Ragu with Tagliatelle Pasta: If it's pasta you're craving - look NO further! This divine recipe features ground lamb, garlic, shallots, red wine and purchased marinara sauce so you're not stuck over the stove ALL day. Topped with fresh ricotta and mint leaves, you'll feel instantly transported to Tuscany.

Wine Pairing: A Tuscan full-bodied red wine like Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Chianti Classico Riserva