There is no question that food acts as a source of comfort. Piping hot with a cloud of steam rising from the bowl, there is nothing quite like escaping from the world with a few bites of creamy or saucy deliciousness. The problem is, most of our comfort foods tend to be super heavy or loaded with added sugars. Rest assured, we have a plan. There is no reason why you can’t have the cake and eat it, too with a few lighter recipes that will bring you comfort without a sacrifice on flavor. We hope you get a chance to curl up on the couch and enjoy.

1. Perfect No-Fry Eggplant Rollatini by Sasha Salamon

An easy and beautiful crowd-pleaser recipe. Almost like a lighter version of eggplant parmesan, without the breading and frying!

2. Mock Spaghetti in Marinara by Elky Friedman

Craving a good bowl of mac n’ cheese? Well, here you’ve got it without all those unnecessary carbs! This dish does take a bit more prep time, but in the end you’ll have a healthful, filling, and nutritious dinner (or lunch) without the extra calories of regular pasta. Mindy W., thanks so much for this recipe. I remember those good ol’ summer days in the bungalow colony when you’d sit out with us and your bowl of mock “spaghetti” for lunch. Now, we’re all eating it!

3. Vegetable Alfredo Lite by Faigy Grossman

The combination of roasted sweet potatoes paired with fettuccine and cheese sauce is deliciously reminiscent of a divine sweet potato ravioli dish I once sampled in a restaurant in Jerusalem. An added bonus is the absence of heavy cream – an ingredient too calorie ridden for my taste! B’tayavon!

4. Carb-Free Lasagna Pepper Boats by Elky Friedman

This is my newest innovative way to make lasagna absolutely carb-free! So whether you’re avoiding gluten, watching your carbs, or just a mom trying to get her children to eat their veggies…this is the perfect dish for all of you. You may also like this innovative low carb butternut squash lasagna.

5. Mock-o-roni (Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese) by Rorie Weisberg

Want a healthier version of mac-and-cheese that comes together even faster than the original? Try Rorie’s Mock-o-Roni. You won’t miss those elbow noodles one bit! The kids will love it too! It’s the perfect new dairy recipe to try this year. Simple and quick, and definitely delicious! Watch how quickly this comes together here!

6. Lighter Meat Sauce by Elky Friedman

Tired of making meatballs because it’s so time-consuming, even though they’re so family-friendly? Here’s a recipe that takes half the time to prepare, and it’s much leaner, thanks to the ground chicken. This was an immediate favorite of mine after Estie H. called me with her discovery. She was actually attempting to make healthy meatballs, but was having too hectic of a day. Instead of rolling the mixture into balls, she made a meat sauce and received rave reviews from her kids! This recipe works well without the ground flaxseeds, but this ingredient does add texture and loads of fiber, which will keep you full for much longer.

7. Crockpot Sweet Potato Goulash by Rorie Weisberg

Set it and forget it! A healthy, balanced dinner with 10 minutes of prep!

Serve this goulash with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach for added nutrients fiber and color. Watch Rorie make this dish on the stovetop on Living Full ‘n Free!

See more easy slow cooker suppers here.

8. Lighter Shepherd’s Pie by Brynie Greisman

This recipe conjures up images of delicious comfort food served with lots of love. I still remember coming home from school, throwing down my briefcase and coat, and following my nose to the kitchen, where this was baking. This version is a bit updated and tweaked to reflect what mothers are serving nowadays. Thanks to my sister Chanie for the inspiration.

9. Cornbread-Topped Vegetarian Chili by Rena Tuchinsky

A filling all-in-one-pan meal for days when you don’t want meat but also don’t want to stand in the kitchen slaving away. Tofu replaces meat in this chili, and you can’t even tell it’s in there!

10. Caramelized Vegetable and Meatball Soup by Emuna Braverman and Elizabeth Kurtz

11. Chinese Crispy Beef (Paleo, Gluten-Free) by Tamar Teitelbaum

I love “Better than Takeout” Chinese food. Ordering in definitely has its place in my life. It is a convenience and timesaver. However most of the time, I would much rather avoid feeding my family excess salt and any msg. So, I have created this Chinese Crispy Beef recipe. It tastes better than even my favorite takeout spot. Plus, it’s a natural and healthy dish; paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

12. Chicken Chow Mein by Brynie Greisman

This is one of those comfort food that evokes childhood memories for everyone! It’s sooo good that I actually ate it cold. Easy, basic ingredients combine to make a positively delicious, all-in-one supper.

13. Spanish Pisto by Nicola Graimes

Reminiscent of the French ratatouille, this Spanish version is flavored with smoked paprika and a splash of red wine vinegar. Loaded with veg, it’s equally delicious served hot as it is at room temperature, as a main meal with bulghur wheat or rice or as a side. I’d recommend topping it with a good spoonful or two of picada, a zesty, crunchy, nutty, herby accompaniment for the finishing touch.

14. Healthier Cream of Mushroom Soup by Odaiah Leeds

Soups and winter are just the perfect cozy match. During the cold winter months, I find it helpful to have a few different soups in individual containers in the freezer at all times. They make a great quick and healthy meal option. This cream of mushroom soup is a winter staple in our home. The variety of mushrooms gives it an amazing and intense flavor. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

15. Cream of Cauliflower Soup (Mock Potato Soup, Non-Dairy) by Rochel Weiss