Whether you are hosting a Super Bowl party, or just want a super-easy menu for a cold winter night, this flavorful gluten-free menu is sure to be a hit. It has simple ingredients and is easy on the budget. My motto, especially for beginners, is: “Stick to simple gluten-free recipes with gluten-free dishes that everyone recognizes and serve them in a simple way.”
Southwestern Chili for a gluten-free Super Bowl party
Gluten-Free Super Bowl Menu
~Southwestern Chili~
~Plate of fresh vegetables and basket of corn chips~
~Guacamole and Mexican Salsa Dips~
~Cornbread~
~Chocolate Brownies~
~Your favorite beverages~
Southwestern Chili
Adapted with permission from Gluten-Free 101 by Carol Fenster
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 cans (15 ounces) pinto or kidney beans (or both), rinsed and drained
2 cans (15 ounces) canned tomatoes
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 cup water (or more)
In large Dutch oven or skillet, combine ground round and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until meat and onion are gently browned. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Add enough water to reach desired consistency. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours. Refrigerate overnight. Or, prepare the morning of the party and cook in slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours. Serve with shakers of additional spices near the slow-cooker for those who want to spice it up. Serves 6 (can double or triple)
Carol’s Tips for Hosting a Super Bowl Party
[1] Choose a simple menu that is also dairy-free, since lactose-intolerance often occurs with gluten-intolerance. Stick with high-flavor, straightforward dishes that you know how to prepare and that your guests are familiar with. It’s better to serve a simple, flavorful dish that you know how to prepare than attempt a new, complicated dish that might not meet your expectations.
[2] Plan a menu that can be cooked-ahead?preferably the day before the party (or that morning)?and then reheated before the party. I like to cook this chili the day before, then refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld. It doesn’t need thickening, so there is no conundrum about which gluten-free thickener to use instead of wheat flour. Reheated on party day and served in a slow-cooker (or cooked in the slow-cooker all day), it stays hot throughout the party.
Gluten-Free Cornbread
[3] Serve a simple gluten-free bread that appeals to everyone. One of my favorites is a moist, homey Cornbread (see Recipes at www.CarolFenster.com) which goes well with chili. Bake it on the morning of the party, cut into serving pieces, and pile high on a platter. Wrap in plastic wrap until party time to avoid drying out.
[4] Choose easily-served desserts. Luscious layer cakes are pretty, but require your full attention when cutting and plating?which takes you away from your guests and the TV. Instead, serve “grab and go” desserts such as gluten-free cookies (store-bought if you’re not a baker) or Brownies (see Recipes at www.CarolFenster.com) served on big platters. That way, guests serve themselves whenever they please, freeing you to focus on your favorite team.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies for Super Bowl party
[5] Make it easy for you and your guests. Serve the Southwestern Chili in a slow-cooker which allows guests to help themselves whenever they please. Place additional spices nearby for those who want to jazz it up a bit. Instead of bowls, use coffee cups so guests can balance food on their laps while watching TV?the cup’s narrow tops reduce spills and the cup’s handles make hot soup easier to hold. Arrange gluten-free cookies or pre-cut brownies on a platter so guests can help themselves?and you won’t have to do any last-minute serving of dessert and possibly miss that game-changing touchdown.
Enjoy the game and may your favorite team win!
