Some of the best comfort foods come from grandpa’s quirky collection of recipes that might look odd but feel like a warm hug. These 13 dishes are a mix of oddities and classics, each with a story to tell from grandpa’s kitchen. We’re taking a closer look at these recipes to see if they’re just as comforting as the more familiar favorites we all know and love.
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut might seem an odd comfort food, but its tangy sweetness has been a grandpa’s go-to for generations. In just 2 days, cabbage and carrots transform with spices into a zesty condiment. It’s a peculiar yet familiar taste that complements hearty meals. The sauerkraut is a testament to tradition with a twist that could become a new comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Quick-pickled Russian sauerkraut
Spinach colcannon recipe
Spinach colcannon recipe may appear unconventional, but it’s a comfort dish that has warmed many a grandpa’s kitchen. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a blend of mashed potatoes and spinach, with leeks and green onions. This dish is creamy and satisfying, offering a comforting hug with a nutritious punch. It’s a strange but delightful spin on the Irish classic that could easily win hearts.
Get the Recipe: Spinach colcannon recipe
Spicy garlic dill pickles
Spicy garlic dill pickles, with their week-long pickling process, are a peculiar comfort food that grandpas have relished. The combination of garlic, dill, and chili flakes makes for a fiery yet familiar crunch. These pickles are an odd comfort, perfect for those who like a traditional snack with a spicy kick. They prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be bland.
Get the Recipe: Spicy garlic dill pickles
Homemade kosher dill pickles
Homemade kosher dill pickles may sound like a grandpa’s odd kitchen project, but after a week’s fermentation, they emerge as a crunchy comfort. The garlicky and dill-infused cucumbers are a nostalgic nod to deli classics. They’re a strange yet comforting snack, showcasing that patience in pickling can yield delectable results. These pickles embody the essence of cherished, time-honored comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Homemade kosher dill pickles
Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles
Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles are a grandpa’s quirky comfort food, taking a week to perfect. The butternut squash is transformed by turmeric and cumin into a sweetly spiced pickle. It’s a soft bite with an unexpected kick, offering comfort in its novelty. This recipe is an invitation to explore the strange and comforting flavors of pickling.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad) may not be the first thing that comes to mind as comfort food, but it’s been a grandpa’s favorite for good reason. Ready in an hour, this earthy, sweet salad is refreshing amidst richer dishes. It’s a strange yet satisfying comfort, celebrating root vegetables in a tangy dressing. This salad is a vibrant comfort food that challenges the norm.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
easy lacto-fermented whey pickles
Easy lacto-fermented whey pickles, ready in a week, are an oddly comforting creation from grandpa’s recipe book. The tangy, effervescent cucumbers are a probiotic-rich snack that’s both refreshing and familiar. With a classic dill taste, these pickles offer a comforting yet strange twist on the typical. They’re proof that comfort food can also be good for you.
Get the Recipe: easy lacto-fermented whey pickles
Mustard garlic scape pickles
Mustard garlic scape pickles are a grandpa’s strange but comforting pantry staple, requiring a week to achieve their robust flavor. The blend of mustard seeds and garlic scapes creates a tangy and crunchy pickle. It’s an unusual comfort food that’s both bold and nostalgic. These pickles are a testament to the delightful surprises found in traditional pickling.
Get the Recipe: Mustard garlic scape pickles
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba is a 30-minute comfort dish that could have come straight from grandpa’s recipe cards. The tender chicken and aromatic spices offer a warm, complex flavor. It’s a comforting and quick meal that’s a bit strange but utterly satisfying. This dish is a modern take on the comforting flavors of the past.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad
Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad, ready in about an hour, is a grandpa’s strange twist on comfort food. The contrast of crunchy cabbage and tangy mushrooms offers a lively mix of flavors. It’s a peculiar comfort dish that’s both earthy and acidic, with a visual and taste appeal. This salad is a bold comfort food that could become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad
Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds Recipe
Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds, ready in just 10 minutes plus marinating time, are a grandpa’s strange but comforting snack. The tangy curds soaked in olive oil and herbs are indulgent and flavorful. It’s a simple treat that’s perfect for snacking, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in a comforting form. This recipe is an odd yet delightful way to enjoy cheese.
Get the Recipe: Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds Recipe
Mexican Quick Pickles
Mexican Quick Pickles, prepped in 15 minutes, are a grandpa’s strange take on comfort food with a kick. The spicy, tangy, and sweet brine infuses the vegetables with vibrant flavors. These pickles add a zesty comfort to any meal, especially when paired with traditional dishes like tacos. It’s a comfort food that’s as strange as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Quick Pickles
Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup
Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup, taking about 2 hours to cook, is a grandpa’s comfort food that might seem strange at first. The tangy sauerkraut, potatoes, and mushrooms create a savory soup with a comforting depth. It’s a bowl of tradition with a strange yet satisfying twist. This soup could easily become a comforting favorite in any household.
Get the Recipe: Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup