I’ve never been a huge football fan but I married one so I’ve been working on getting into watching the games a little more.  Since the Lions actually made the playoffs this year, football is becoming a big part of our Sundays!  I’ve found that I do enjoy a little football because it usually either involves good food and a nap or good food and watching the game with friends or family. Either way there is food involved!

I thought I might share some of my favorite football snacks that are a little on the healthier side. Not to say that some of the games haven’t involved chicken wings and nachos but it’s always nice to have a little healthy balance.

A recent delicious combo we had involved our favorite veggie burgers from the Oh She Glows cookbook and vegetarian chili.  The burgers were made into slider size and tasted perfect on pretzel slider rolls.

The chili recipe came from the back of a monster size bag of beans from Costco.

Heirloom Bean Blend Vegetarian Chili

1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 medium red bell peppers, diced (any color would work)
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups cooked heirloom bean blend (I assume you could substitute any cooked bean for this)
1 cup reserved liquid from cooking beans
1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
For garnish: (Optional)
Chopped cilantro, sour cream, grated cheese and chopped green onions

Heat oil in large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic.  Sauté until soft.  Add chili powder, oregano, cumin, and cayenne; stir 2 minutes.  Mix in cooked beans, 1/2 cup reserved bean cooking liquid and tomato sauce.  Bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat and simmer until flavors blend and chili thickens, about 20 to 30 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Garnish as desired with sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and grated cheese.

 

Other healthy snack ideas:

-Black bean quesadillas
-Energy  balls
-Fruit skewers – Maybe use fruit corresponding with your favorite teams colors
-Fresh guacamole and salsa with whole grain tortilla chips
-Sweet potato fries
-Roasted chickpeas

Be Healthy, Be Happy!