Healthy Super Bowl Dips and Spreads
Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that tomorrow is Super Bowl XLIV, which pits the New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts.
Of course, Super Bowl Sunday parties are, and have been the rage for years, if not decades.
Typically, Super Bowl parties are accompanied by a cornucopia of large amounts of junk foods including potato and tortilla chips, hot dogs, meatballs, fried chicken wings, and anything else unhealthy, plus copious amounts of beer and other libations.
If you want to host a healthy party spread, but are not sure what to serve–and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking or prepping–here are a few healthy dips and spreads, that only require a food processor which any Super Bowl party giver worth his or her salt, would be proud to share with their friends or family.
Artichoke and tofu purée
Drain a can of artichoke hearts. Place in a food processor with 3 garlic cloves, 2 oz of silken tofu, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp finely grated lemon rind. Process until combined. Garnish with lemon peel.
Olive and chickpea dip
Drain and rinse 10 oz canned chickpeas and place in a food processor with 2/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, ½ tsp chopped red chili (or dried chili powder). Process until coarsely chopped. Then slowly add 1/8 cup olive oil while the motor is still running. Garnish with olives.
Cheese and walnut spread
Beat 3 oz’s of ricotta, 2 oz’s of softened blue cheese, and add a ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts until creamy and combined. Garnish with walnuts.
Sun-dried tomato hummus
Drain and rinse 10 oz of canned chickpeas (keep some liquid for later), and place in a food processor with 4 garlic cloves, add 2 tbsp tahini sauce, and then add a 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomato pesto (you can use finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes). Process by adding the reserved liquid, while the processor’s motor is still running. The result is a smooth creamy mix. Garnish with chopped parsley.
For better nutrition, serve all the above using with whole wheat pita bread, whole wheat crackers, or vegetable crudities.
So, now you can seat back and relax, but remember to not yell at the TV too much.
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