Our Staff’s Favorite Comfort Food During COVID-19

As Ina Garten once said, “Food is not about impressing people. It’s about making them feel comfortable.” Comfort food is different for everyone. However, during these uncertain times with COVID-19 news all around us, we all want the feeling of comfort. That’s why we asked six Niman Ranch team members what they prepare when they need a little comfort in their life.

Is it any surprise that our Lamb Program Manager, Cody H.’s go-to favorite comfort food is lamb? “There’s something about a braised lamb dish that really hits the spot. Maybe it’s the aroma coming from the kitchen all day and the melding of flavors. Maybe it’s the large variety of cut options (shanks, necks, shoulders). Maybe it’s because it’s easy to tweak recipes to use what you have around the house to cook. Maybe it’s because I often braise with wine! I don’t have a favorite braised lamb recipe, but I do have a favorite resource. The American Lamb Board’s recipe collection allows you to choose a dish type, cut, and season.”

When we asked our Brand Marketing Specialist, Sara K. she immediately responded with, meatloaf! “I grew up on a crop farm in Washington state and it was super important to make a simple yet delicious meal for the family after a long day in the field. To this day, anytime I make meatloaf it still reminds me of home. One of my favorite meatloaf recipes is this classic meatloaf recipe from Real Life Dinner.  

Our Communications Manager, Alicia L. goes straight to Italian food when she thinks of comfort. “In my twenties, I spent three months living and working on a farm in Tuscany. The meals were hearty, fresh and served family style—and always with wine. There are many dishes that bring back memories of this special time, including a classic, meaty Tuscan-style Bolognese. One of my favorite Bolognese recipes is from from Ina Garten because it builds complex flavors, but is still quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

When we asked our VP of Innovation, Drew C. she said, “In my twenties, I had the privilege to work for Chef Martin Yan. He taught me how to use a variety of Asian ingredients, many of which are part of my regular pantry today. Recipes that include these flavors are what I’m drawn to. Recently I’ve been making this slow cooker Asian Short Rib recipe from Whole Foods Market. I’ve used short ribs but have also tried it with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which is not traditional but pretty delicious. The combination of the rich Korean flavors, sticky rice and fresh cilantro is delicious. I also add bean sprouts, a dash of sesame oil and chili garlic sauce. I tend to adjust recipes as I’m cooking them.”

Traditional Polish comfort dishes are the go-to for our Marketing VP Alicja S., “Growing up in a Polish immigrant family, all our food was comfort food. One of my favorite dishes is kotlet schabowy with bigos. Kotlet schabowy is very reminiscent of Viennese schnitzel, a pork cutlet tenderized and coated with breadcrumbs, but made with a pork chop or pork tenderloin. Bigos, sometimes referred to as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a combination of sauerkraut and fresh cabbage often with stewed meat. My mom always added kielbasa or pork ribs.”

We couldn’t write this whole post without asking one of our family farmers what their favorite comfort food is. Ron M. of A-Frame Acres’ response was: “Take a good look at me. It’s pretty darn clear I like to eat. I can’t just nail it down to one favorite. In the summer it’s a bacon, mayonnaise and tomato (fresh off the vine, of course) sandwich on toast.  I like everything about that combination. The toast scratching the roof of your mouth,  the mingling of mayo and tomato juice and the satisfying salty crunch of Niman Ranch Bacon. Heck, I’m craving one right now. In the colder winter months, my favorite is hands down my wife Denise’s homemade sausage gravy, either on fresh biscuits or just a couple of slices of bread.  I don’t care if it is right after morning chores or after evening chores, walking into the kitchen smelling the fried sausage and baking biscuits just reeks of good old satisfying comfort.” 

We hope you enjoyed our list of foods that bring us comfort during difficult times. If you are looking for all-natural, humanely raised Niman Ranch products for your favorite comfort meal, you can order it online for convenient home delivery or pick it up directly at your favorite local specialty grocer.