Looking to steer clear of the raucous crowds of Superbowl Sunday in the city centre? Right you are.
Set up your gaf like the fortress it is, with ample beers, seating and craic to go-round, and you’ve got yourself a sports party – a sports party that your wallet will thank you for.
Wow your guests with these super simple snacks that won’t take an age to reproduce. Or else you can just whip them up for yourself… Trust us, they’re that good.
1. Homemade guacamole
You’ll never buy shop guacamole ever again once you realise how easy and satisfying it is to make your own.
All you need are 5 avocados (cut into 1/2 pieces), 1/2 a red onion, 1 seeded jalapeño, 1 cup of chopped coriander, 2 tablespoons of lime juice and a teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Combine, stir well, and serve with crisps. Sorted.
2. Speedy, easy nachos
You will need: a packet (175g) of tortilla chips, 225g jar of salsa, two stalks of sliced spring onions, a handful of cheese (or more, or less, depending on your cheese love), a pinch of crushed chilli flakes.
Step 1. Tip tortilla chips on to a baking tray, pour over salsa and scatter over a few sliced spring onions.
Step 2. Grate over a good chunk of cheese (fontina is perfect, but cheddar will do). Add a pinch of crushed chilli flakes, then put under a hot grill for about 3 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve with soured cream or guacamole.
3. Bacon wrapped spuds
Easy as it sounds and tastier than you’d ever believe.
You will need: A pound and a half of baby potatoes (halved), 15 slices of streaky bacon, 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and a suitable helping of salt and pepper.
Steam the spuds until tender (15-18 minutes), wrap them in bacon and put them in the oven at 220° celsius – bake until crispy. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill and salt and pepper. Serve with spuds.
4. Beef tacos
Tasty, filling and fit to feed a crowd.
You will need: 1 tb olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (chopped), 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of parsley, 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 12 corn tortillas, 1/2 head of a small green cabbage or lettuce (shredded), 2 medium tomatoes (chopped) and 1 cup of coriander.
Fry the onion in the oil and cook until soft, add garlic, stir in beed, parsley, tomato paste, salt, pepper. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until brown (8-10 mins). Then just fill the tortillas with the meat mixture, leaves, tomatoes and coriander. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.
5. Pigs in blankets (or sausage rolls, notions)
You will need: 2 sheets of frozen pastry dough, 12 frankfurters, 1 large egg and a sprinkle of salt.
Pre-heat oven to 220°C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 puff pastry sheet, cut in half lengthwise and then cut each half into 3 equal pieces – for a total of 6 pastry pieces. Repeat with second pastry.
Dry frankfurters with kitchen roll and pierce several times with a fork. Roll each hot dog into a puff pastry piece. Whisk egg and salt together in a small bowl and roll each pastry piece in it. Bake for 20 mins.
6. Crispy chicken goujons
Baking them instead of frying turns these babies into a guilt free snack.
You will need: half a litre of buttermilk, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp of hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp of pepper, 2 pounds of chicken breasts, breadcrumbs and 6 tbsp of unsalted butter.
Combine buttermilk, garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, cover, and stick them in the fridge for 2 hours minimum. Heat the oven to 200°C. Lightly coat 2 baking pans in oil and set aside.
Put breadcrumbs into large, shallow baking dish, toss in melted butter and set aside. Remove chicken from marinade and coat with crumbs. Place on prepared pans and bake for about 25 mins.
7. Chicken flautas
You will need: 1 rotisserie chicken, 8 oz. of Queso Fresco (mexican cheese, feta will substitute), a tub of salsa verde, oil (either coconut, olive or preferably canola) and 16 flour tortillas.
Remove meat from chicken and shred. Toss together chicken and 1 1/2 cups of your selected cheese, and salsa verde. Heat (about 2 inches of) oil over medium high heat. Preheat oven to 200°F. Spoon about 1/2 cup of chicken mixture into a tortilla and roll into tight cylinder, insert toothpick to secure. Repeat with remaining.
Deep fry flautas until golden brown (4-5 mins), turning halfway through. Remove from oil when ready, making sure to drain excess oil. Serve with salsa verde and remaining cheese.
8. Turkey Chilli
For those of you trying to be good – this is only 59 calories per serving, and filled with fibre.
You will need: 2tbsp olive oil, a pound of ground turkey, salt, 3 garlic cloves, 1 large onion, 1 tin of peeled tomatoes, 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 2 green peppers, 2 red peppers, 1 tbsp sugar, 3 tsp ground chilli powder, 1 1/2 tsp of oregano, 1 tsp cumin and then a selection of 3 tins of beans (e.g. 1 can of pinto, 1 can of kidney and 1 can of black, or whatever).
Brown turkey in olive oil, breaking with wooden spoon as it cooks and then season with salt. Remove turkey and reserve. Fry garlic and onion in tbsp of oil and cook until softened. Add tomatoes, peppers, sugar and spices, then add turkey and bring to a boil.
Simmer at low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 mins. Add beans, stirring gently, and simmer 15 more minutes.
READ NEXT: 14 Great Gluten Free Spots For A Perfect Valentine’s Date
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