Healthy Game Day Recipe Roundup

First off, we wanted to wish our entire City Market community a Happy New Year! For many, the start of the New Year is a time to reflect, reset, and form intentions for the year ahead. It is a time to move past the extra one, two, or five cookies you regretted eating during the holidays, and look forward to healthier options.

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, here are some healthy alternatives to your favorite comfort foods, snacks, and dips so you are able to enjoy the game and still feel good about your 2018 goals.

Not a football lover? These recipes are still great, seasonally appropriate options for any winter gathering!

FRONT LINE:

These first four recipes are perfect entrees to serve at your rockin’ game day bash. They are hearty and each have their own unique flavor. 

Bean and Lentil Chili 

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This is one of our featured recipes this month, a healthy spin on a traditional comfort food. Perfect for feeding a lot of mouths and packed with protein and fiber! Serve with plain Greek yogurt, cilantro, and avocado. Want to add some meat? Try ground turkey, it adds an extra savory layer to the dish. 

Black Bean Taquitos

Cute and delicious! Try these with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, or chili-lime dressing and cheese.

Avocado Hummus Chicken Sliders

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When the big game comes on, you’ll be ready with these flavor-packed mini-sandwiches. Just cook some chicken, and jazz up some purchased hummus with avocado, capers and olives for a slider that keeps the party going.

Feisty Five Spice Chicken Wings

These wings can be served hot or at room temperature, garnished with finely-sliced scallion and sesame seeds. Offer extra sauce or Sriracha glaze on the side. 

RECEIVERS:

These next five recipes are easy game day appetizers. Dips and finger foods with a healthy twist!  

Ginger Beet Pesto

This recipe was submitted by Peter Burns in our 2014 We ♥ Local Beets Recipe Contest. Wow your guests with this vibrant spread. Great with crackers, veggies, or on top of toast. 

Butternut Squash Hummus

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This is a creative take on hummus with rich flavor and a vibrant color. This is the perfect recipe to get you thinking about our We ♥ Local Recipe Contest (January 28th-February 11th) where we challenge you to get creative with local butternut squash.

City Market’s Guacamole

Guacamole is a major crowd pleaser. Serve with your favorite chips for a smooth, creamy bite.

Local Sweet Potato Skins

A crunchy, salty side dish and a great way to use the skins of these popular root veggies. Also, an excellent accompaniment to a football game. Laughing Child Farm located in Pawlet, Vermont along with Burnt Rock Farm located in Huntington, Vermont, are currently our local producers supplying us with an abundance of local sweet potatoes. In addition, we currently have Japanese Sweet Potatoes from Full Moon Farm, which are slightly less sweet than other more traditional varieties.

Roasted Jerk Chickpeas

Crispy and delicious, these crunchy snacks are great on their own as a party appetizer or can add some spice to your soup, salad, or entrée.

DEFENSIVE ENDS:

To round out the menu, we have two treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Date and Pistachio Balls

These no-bake date and pistachio balls are quick and easy and don’t require any precious oven space on a busy prep day.

Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread

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This is a sweet, flavorful gluten-free cornbread. This recipe pairs beautifully with our first recipe, Bean and Lentil Chili or with a side of green beans. Adding herbs turns up the volume to this beloved comfort food. Serve with vegan butter or maple syrup.

What are your favorite football recipes? We would love to see photos if you try any of the recipes above or have any other healthy Super Bowl recipes. Post a picture to Facebook or Instagram and tag @citymarketcoop. Have fun, enjoy and be well! Check out more City Market recipes here