It’s almost that time of year again! Time to unveil the 6 foot long subs, platters of chips, endless bowls of dip and of course the garage fridge bursting with varieties of soda and beer. Any football loving, red blooded American enjoys stuffing their face and guzzling drinks while shouting at the screen. But does it necessarily mean we have to be fighting for the bathroom the very next morning, or passing around the Pepto during the half time show? Let’s not break our new year’s resolutions with the excuse that our favorite team is playing, it’s the Superbowl – how could I not have chips and dip? I’m going to show you a few recipes to substitute on Superbowl Sunday, dishes that won’t leave you bloated, gassy, and tackling your little brother to reach your super bowl first.

Ginger Cilantro Hummus

Naturally dip is part of the party platter, whether it be steamy artichoke spinach or spicy nacho cheese, this staple for any get together is usually loaded with fat, carbs and surrounded by piles of some more fat and carbs. Spinach and artichoke dips range from a minimal of 300 to over 1000 calories per serving, not including the greasy fried chips for dipping. This cilantro hummus is a minimalist approach while combining the spice and tang from the Sriracha and ginger with the tartness of the lemon juice. You can certainly taste the sesame oil, which only has 10 more calories per serving than olive oil.

Nutritional Facts

79.4 calories

1.3 grams of fat

14.4% Vitamin B-6

3 grams of protein

1 tablespoon of minced ginger

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

15 oz chickpeas

Pinch of salt

1 lemon juiced

1/4 cup of cilantro

1 1/2 teaspoon of Sriracha

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until well combined. Place in a small serving bowl surrounded by your favorite veggies and whole wheat crackers for dipping. Makes 1 ½- 2 cups.

 

Salmon & Spiced Yogurt w/ Radicchio on Cucumber

Sure it’s not an egg roll, stuffed with left over veggies deep fried until it reaches over 240 calories per inch long pocket. No pork in this dish but the salmon is seared on a grill pan, maintaining its omega 3 fatty acids and generous amount of protein. The yogurt is spiced giving a kick with a cool sensation.

Nutritional Facts

30 calories

1.3 grams of fat

8% Vitamin B-12

4.1 grams of protein 

1 cucumber, sliced in ½ inch thick slices

1 salmon fillet, seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked on a grill pan, shredded

3 tablespoons of plain non fat yogurt

1/4 teaspoon of coriander

1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Zest of 1/2 lime

Salt to taste

Chiffonade radicchio for garnish

Mix yogurt with coriander, cayenne, lime zest and salt to taste until well combined. Lay cucumber slices down, layer with spiced yogurt, about a teaspoon of shredded salmon and radicchio. Feel free to squeeze lemon or lime juice, or even sri racha. 

 

Spicy Endive Tuna “Tacos”

Fried taco shells, loaded with seasoned tender beef or pork, finished with 1000 calorie cheese sauce, with the vegetables as garnish. Or enjoy these mock tacos which have an endive exterior and are layered with shredded carrot, chipotle spiced tuna topped with golden raisins and chopped cashews. Add some chiffonade cilantro with a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. The crunch from the cashews and sweetness of the golden raisins pair well with the smoky adobo flavored tuna. A wonderful substitute that won’t leave you unbuttoning your jeans for more comfort.

Nutritional Facts

39 calories

.7 grams of fat

35.6% Vitamin A

4.6 grams of protein

 

1 small can of solid while albacore in water

1 small canned chipotle, deseeded and shredded, reserve adobo sauce

2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from chipotle can (or 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce & 1 teaspoon of sriracha)

1 tablespoon of golden raisins, reserve extra

1 tablespoon of chopped cashews, reserve extra

10 endive leaves

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of shredded carrots

Zest of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon of chiffonade cilantro

4 lemon slices

Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Mix first 5 ingredients in a bowl until combined well, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle shredded carrot onto endive leaves, scoop about a teaspoon of tuna mix onto each, followed by extra raisins, cashews, cilantro and lemon zest. Squeeze lemon juice before biting into each for enhanced flavor. Feel free to sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving. 

 

Published by Kym Fajardo

Kymberlee Fajardo is a freelance food writer and food culture photographer who grew up in Queens and Long Island, NY. Having always had an intense and rocky relationship/fascination with food, Kym was persistent in pursuing a career that involved her love for the culinary industry. At 19, she attended culinary school in NYC and graduated in the top 5% of her class. As a line cook she had experience in fine dining, South East Asian Street Market food in NYC, farm to table in upstate NY, as well as contemporary comfort food in NJ. Eventually she combined both her passion for writing as well as for all things culinary to pursue her career as a food writer. She maintains her own food blog Free Spirit Eater which contains original writing and photography. Kym also runs a culinary advice column on Bromography.com as well as contributing to MadlyJuicy.com.

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