Football season is in full effect – not to mention the other futbol season – and if you’re like the millions of sports fans across the world, you’re probably gearing up for some game nights in front of the TV. And everyone knows that nothing goes better with sports than some fall snacks and finger foods that are easy to whip up and easy to pass around.
Now, when you think fall snacks for game day, you probably think about chips and salsa, pretzels, hot wings, and other American staples. But, there are other types of foods that make perfect finger foods for watching the game, namely Middle Eastern fare. Think: falafel, spicy dipping sauces, pita chips, hummus, and the works. Here are a couple of ideal fall snacks to complement the big game.
Falafel
Nothing pairs with game day like deep fried food, and falafel fits the bill. Their small, bite-sized form makes them great for snacking on or adding to a pita pocket for a more filling sandwich. This falafel recipe is quick and easy, and will keep all of your friends and family powered up through the day. You can serve them with yogurt sauce, tahini, hot sauce – the list goes on and on. In fact, offering a range of dipping sauces with a tray full of falafel is one of the best game day foods you can create.
As a side, toast up some pita wedges to make them crispy, and serve a side of hummus.
- 1 lb canned chickpeas
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 3 tbsp of flour
- 1/2 of a lemon
- salt and pepper
- oil to fry in
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Peal the onion and garlic. Wash the herbs
- In a food processor, process the onion, garlic and herbs until chopped very fine
- Add the chickpeas and flour. Process until a paste is formed. Season with salt and pepper
- In a deep fryer or sauté pan with 1-2 inches of oil, heat the oil to 350F
- Form the falafel paste into balls or flattened balls that are packed tightly.
- Fry until golden brown about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on a baking tray lined with paper towel. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Hold in a warm oven until ready to serve.
- Canned fava beans can also be used to make falafel.
- I like to use my deep fryer to make falafel and for frying in general because it is easier to control the oil temperature. You can fry falafel in a sauté pan in 1-2 inches of oil. Be careful that the temperature of the oil does not get too hot or too cold.
- The easiest way to do this recipe is to use a food processor. You can also mash the onion, garlic and herbs into a paste then mash this paste together with the chickpeas. A mortar and pestle would work fine. You can also make this with a chefs knife by chopping all the ingredients finely then using a fork to further mash it all together with the chickpeas until the mixture becomes a paste.
Salted Yogurt Drink with Lime and Mint
For a drink that’s refreshing without being too heavy, try a yogurt based drink. This salted yogurt drink will pair perfectly with falafel and hummus, and will really make you re-think the way you use yogurt in your cooking. Make a large batch of it, refrigerate it before serving, and then let your guests drink up.
- 2 cups of plain yogurt
- 2 cups of cold water
- 1 tsp of salt or to taste
- 2 limes
- 20 mint leaves
- 10 ice cubes
- Place the yogurt and water in a blender
- Add the salt
- Squeeze in the juice of the limes
- Add the mint and ice
- Blend until smooth
- Serve cold
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