Just because the average American viewer consumes over 2,750 calories during the game and 7-Eleven reports a 20% increase in the sale of antacids the day after doesn’t mean you need to gorge yourself like Mr. Creosote in The Meaning of Life or erect the Greatest Snack Food Stadium Ever Built.
But it’s good to be an American on the most gluttonous day of the year (aside from Thanksgiving). Plus, if the game sucks, at least you’ve got great grub. According to recent survey, chips, salsa, guacamole, chicken wings and chili are among the 10 most popular Super Bowl offerings. Aside from adding a crudite platter to the mix, we’re not suggesting that you change up the game plan—just make it exceptional.
Here’s how:
Chips, Salsa and Guacamole
You’re probably rolling your eyes at the thought of making your own chips rather than just plunking a few bags of Tostitos in your shopping cart. We hear you. But if you’ve never made a batch of homemade tortilla chips you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. You can actually taste the freshness of the tortillas when you make them yourself. At the very least, make the salsa and guacamole yourself. Even “fresh” salsa isn’t really fresh and jarred salsa is being lazy and store bought guacamole isn’t even up for discussion. If you’ve got a smaller crowd and enjoy cooking, Emeril’s shredded chicken nachos are killer.
Crudite Platter
For too many couch potatoes, the Super Bowl is like the Olympics, only with food as the main event. You’d be foolish to pack away massive protein calories without a little roughage. But this insanely addictive onion dip or brightly flavored basil green goddess dressing can, if necessary, can make you forget you’re consuming vegetables.
Wings
For whatever reason, the Super Bowl and chicken wings go hand in hand. The National Chicken Council puts the consumed total at an ungodly 100 million pounds—Black Sunday for chicken indeed. Stick with the flock and make wings, but there is no reason to deep-fry them. Roast, bake or grill them. They taste way better, make less mess and you’ll live longer.
Chili
Chili remains an amazingly tasty go-to one-pot wonder for the big game. It can be prepared way ahead of time and feed an army if necessary. Do as Texans do and omit the beans—tastes great, less filling. Give the chickens a respite and opt for brisket, short ribs or chuck roast.
We sincerely hope that these ideas have inspired you to get creative with your culinary offerings for Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th. But if you insist on wholeheartedly supporting massive consumption of insanely fatty foods and copious amounts of beer, don’t be one of the 6% of working Americans that calls in sick the day after the Bowl. Show a little pride.
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