We all know that a Super Bowl party is not just about the game – it’s about the food, too. Friends and family gather round the TV for a great game and for great food. While the game is in play and there’s a lot of mindless snacking going on, make sure that what there snacking on is healthy. Avoid store-bought snacks and prepared foods – they’re loaded with salt, fat, and calories. Here are some healthy alternatives that your guests are sure to enjoy:
Can’t have a Super Bowl party without dip! Here’s a great one for all those scoopers!
Creamy Spinach Dip
1 small shallot, peeled
1 5-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed
1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel)
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
6 ounce bunch of fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Pulse shallot and water chestnuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper and pulse until just combined. Add spinach and chives and pulse until incorporated. Serve with a baguette torn into dipping-size pieces or tortilla chips.
This a crowd favorite, so make lots of ‘em!
Veggie Quesadillas
2 small green and/or red peppers
1 small red onion, sliced, cut in 1-inch long strips
2 teaspoons cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin and chili powder
1 tablespoon each snipped fresh parsley and cilantro
1/3 cup whipped soft cream cheese (light)
5 6-inch whole wheat flour tortillas
In a large nonstick skillet cook bell peppers and onion in 1 teaspoon of oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in cumin and chili powder. Cook and stir for 1 more minute. Add parsley, stir, set aside. Spread cream cheese evenly over half of one side of each tortilla. Top with pepper mixture. Fold tortilla in half over peppers, pressing gently. Place tortillas on ungreased large baking sheet. Brush tortillas with remaining teaspoon oil. Bake at 425 degrees F oven for 5 minutes. Cut each quesadilla in 4 wedges. Serve warm with salsa or light sour cream. Nutritional Analysis: 1 quesadilla equals 287 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 764 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 16 g protein.
Chili is a Super Bowl fan staple, a big favorite with almost everyone. Try this version to keep things lighter in calories and fat.
Turkey Chili
1 pound lean ground turkey
3/4 cup each chopped onion, celery and green pepper
1 can (28 ounces) Hunt’s® Original Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 can (16 ounces) hot chili beans, undrained
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup frozen corn
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Sour cream, optional
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the turkey, onion, celery and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, chili beans, water, corn and seasonings. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cook for 5-6 hours. Add kidney and pinto beans; cook 30 minutes longer. Garnish with sour cream if desired. Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 190 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 28 mg cholesterol, 739 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 13 g protein.
Keep your family and friends happy and healthy during Super Bowl. They’ll thank you. More great healthy snacks can be found on our website under recipes. Take your pick!
