Beef, Dinner, Food, Lunch, Recipes, Sauces, Seafood

2011 Super Bowl Eats

Before we get to the food, here’s a bit of fun trivia about this years super bowl!  Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers is a Chico, CA native.  Yup, born and raised right here in my home town.  Pretty cool considering how freaking hard it is to get in the NFL!  So yes, we will be cheering on the Packers in hopes to see a hometown super star bring back the win.

Let’s start with 2 new recipe ideas that could be fun for Super Bowl Sunday

Garlic Studded Pork Loin

Garlic Studded Pork Loin

1  3 lb pork loin or two 1.5 lb pork loins (I used 2 pork loins)

12 garlic cloves

1 cup chicken broth

2 bay leaves

sea salt and black pepper to taste

1 yellow onion, halved and sliced

5 celery stalks, cut into large chunks

4 small sweet potatoes, cut into 2 inch chunks

1 tablespoon coconut oil

Using a knife cut about 1/2 inch slits into your pork loin about 1 – 2 inches apart.  Stuff a garlic clove into each slit.  Sprinkle the pork loin with salt and pepper and rub the salt and pepper into the loin.  In your pressure cooker, sear the loin in the coconut oil for 5 minutes on each side or until browned.  If any garlic cloves fall out in the searing process just use tongs or a fork to put them back into place.  Add the chicken stock to the pressure cooker, cover and bring to pressure.  Cook for 15-18 minutes.  Release the pressure and add the veggies to that pot.  Cover and again, bring back to pressure and cook for another 8 minutes.  Slice the pork loin and serve with the veggies.  You can also make this in the slow cooker.  Make sure you sear the loin before putting it in the slow cooker, add the veggies in with the meat and the chicken broth and cook all day on low for 7-8 hours.  This would be good to start on Saturday night so it’s ready on Sunday morning!

Meatballs Too Tasty for Super Bowl Sunday
Meatballs Too Tasty for Super Bowl Sunday

Meatballs Too Tasty for Super Bowl Sunday

Meatballs

1.5 lbs ground beef

½ cup dried unsweetened cherries, finely diced

5 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup diced cilantro

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ tablespoon Garam Masala

Dash or two of cayenne pepper

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons coconut oil

Sauce

1 6oz can tomato paste

1 can coconut milk

5 green onions, diced

1 ½  teaspoons Garam Masala

½ teaspoon sea salt

Pan drippings from meatballs

Using your hands mix together the meatball ingredients except for the coconut oil.  In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.  Make sure the pan is nice and hot before you start adding your meatballs.  Once the oil is hot, form golf ball size meatballs and add to the pan.  Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until brown.  Remove the meatballs and set aside.  To the pan drippings add the tomato paste, onions, and spices and using your whisk, blend these ingredients together with the pan drippings.  Slowly add the coconut milk, whisking as you pour.  Once the sauce is well mixed, bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes.  Add the meatballs back to the sauce, cover the pan and cook for three minutes.  Turn the meatballs over so that they are coated with sauce, cover and cook for another 3 minutes. Serve with a few diced green onions on top. Delicious!!!!

Here are some more options for you Sunday feast.  First lets start with what I made last year.  My bean-less chili is really satisfyingly good and a great game day meal!

Everyone loves chips and dip on game day so my plantain chips and guacamole is a perfect sub – you can also dip cut up veggies in the guac as well!! Also included in this post is a recipe for shrimp tacos and sweet potato fries – all great party food!

I’ve never made these before but a friend suggested a recipe for Zucchini Sticks, which everyone loves: Dip the sliced zucchini in egg whites and next dip in almond meal seasoned with garlic, parsley salt and pepper. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes with a drizzle of coconut oil and dip in marinara sauce. Not entirely sure on the bake time so you may have to play with this one.  Again, these have not been tested yet by me but sound very tasty!

Don’t forget my Shrimp Loves Coconut recipe – so yummy and total party food! While you are checking out this recipe, take a minute to read the blog post too – a great reminder to keep things in perspective.

Finally – my Dry Rub Burgers are pretty darn good if I say so myself and burgers are always a hit on game day!

I hope this gives you all some ideas for a fun-filled and food-filled weekend!

As always, Enjoy!!

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Sarah Fragoso

Sarah Fragoso is an international best selling author of 6 books, co-owner of the Chico, CA based gym JS Strength and Conditioning, and founder of the Everyday Paleo franchise. Sarah is the co-host of the popular Sarah and Dr. Brooke Show podcast and she also conducts workshops and retreats on the subjects of nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

Her message is from the heart and she carries a genuine desire to help other families looking for guidance. These attributes have contributed to her successes and provide the drive to keep the discoveries coming.

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42 Comments

  1. Aaron Rodgers is also apparently interested in Paleo! It mentions in this article that he was/is reading ‘The Paleo Diet’: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/columns/story?id=6076694

    I, however, will not be rooting for him as I am born-and-raised-and-still-living in Chicago. But I will be making delicious Paleo food for the Super Bowl.

  2. Sarah

    We love your recipes and we have a whole group of friends that read your blog and
    are in line to buy your book.
    Keep up the good work!
    I keep reading about Ghee and the health benefits?
    Do you use it?

    Cheers
    Kristy Stafford

  3. looks AWESOME!

    I’m sorry to say I’m a Bears fan, and won’t be pulling for the Packs….but looking forward to a great game!

    mk

    p.s. your link for super bowl 2010 is broken 🙂 (beanless chili)

    1. Fixed the 2010 Super Bowl link.

  4. Laura Nesbitt says:

    Aaron Rodgers is also a CAL alumnus. (GO Bears!). So we will be rooting for the Pack also. And making paleo chili.

  5. Louise Smith says:

    I was on the fence about who I was wanting to win the Superbowl! Thanks for making the decision an easy one!! And the recipes look fabulous! Thanks!!! ~Chico State Alumni ’00

  6. Do we have a release date on the cookbook? I am ready to wait in line!

  7. These look like some amazing recipes! I’m excited to try them and share them with our Super Bowl company.

  8. Here’s a fun reminder to throw back in people’s faces – ALL CHILI SHOULD BE BEANLESS!
    Even the International Chili Society makes it rule #1.
    “1. Traditional Red Chili is defined by the International Chili Society as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are strictly forbidden.”

    http://www.chilicookoff.com/Event/Event_Rules.asp

    1. Shannan says:

      as a very proud Texan 🙂 the mere thought of beans in chili is sickening!
      We have some great chili simmering on the stove now! Not a bean in sight!

      1. Sarah says:

        We made chili today too!! So much better without the beans for sure….

  9. Rachel says:

    Those meatballs are definitely making it to the table this week!!! I just bought garam masala for the first time this week for a recipe from Jamie Oliver- Spicy Parsnip Soup. I subbed coconut milk for the milk and skipped the bread, of course. It was delicious. Next time, I would cut back a bit on the garam masala, it was a bit strong. Does this recipe fit paleo?

    http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegeterian-recipes/spicy-parsnip-soup

    1. Jessica says:

      I just returned from the store, and unfortunately I can’t find garam masala in Small Town USA! Does anyone know if there’s anything comparable that I might be able to sub? Regardless, I’m making them tonight…I’m sure they will be delicious with other spices thrown in:)

      1. Sarah says:

        Hi Jessica! Garam Masala is a blend of several spices including coriander, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon so any combination of those spices would be perfect!!!

  10. Kitty says:

    Where do I get a pressure cooker and what brand? Thanks!!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Kitty! You can buy pressure cookers at most large department stores or on Amazon. Here’s the link to my Amazon store and the pressure cooker brands that I recommend!
      http://astore.amazon.com/everpale-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2

      1. Michelle says:

        I’m going to try this one more time…and then I will get the hint if you don’t reply (third times a charm) or not hehe. I just browsed your store link and was hoping to see your recommendations for skillets, stock pots, etc. Can you pleeeeease share on what you use…pretty please?

        1. Sarah says:

          Oh my gosh Michelle, I’m so sorry if I haven’t replied to you! Sometimes I get lost in the comment flood and I do apologize!! I currently use Calphalon brand skillets and saute pans. For my larger stock/soup pots I have a couple of ancient stainless steel ones that I inherited from my mom. They were wedding gifts for her and my dad over 45 years ago. I suggest that you use either stainless steel or cast iron. Avoid non-stick because it can be toxic, especially if it starts to wear out and flakes into your food. Big yuck although I think the new non-stick pans are getting better, I still prefer either good ol’ stainless steel or cast iron. I hope that helps!!! : )

          1. Michelle says:

            Thank you so much! I love the blog and word is spreading…one of my fb friends from another state posted about your blog yesterday!

          2. Sarah says:

            So cool!! : )

  11. Christine M. says:

    Not a football fan, but that meatball recipe looks delicious! I think I’ll make up a batch tonight and serve over cauliflower “rice” with a side salad. 🙂

    Rachel: Strictly speaking, Paleo is traditionally non-dairy, so you’d have replace both the milk and butter in that recipe. Coconut milk is a great sub, either the canned or carton kind, depending on how thick you’d want the soup. Serve with meat (bacon, perhaps?) and you’d have a tasty Paleo meal.

  12. Geeklet says:

    Hey all, I need some help.

    I’m the daughter of a family where “vegetable” and “fruit” are almost considered bad, horrible, no-good words. Actually, apparently “fruit” isn’t actually real food (according to dad.)

    While I’m not sure I want to be paleo (sorry! BF and I have religious fasting periods where we have to let the meat go for a while or for certain days, and be vegetarian/vegan.) I would like to improve my family’s diet by incorporating more vegetables into our meals. My little brother will not eat lettuce, or any kind of leafy green. Or onions. Or peppers. Or garlic. He took the basil out of the bacon wraps recipe! One tiny little herb, and it *had to go*.

    I want to improve my diet and health over the coming year. Any suggestions on how to do this?

    1. Sarah will want to get in on this but I like you bringing up religious reasons. There will be times that faiths must not consume meats or certain meats must never be eaten. Are avocados available? On your religious requirement days you could stick to avocados, macadamia nuts, almonds, coconut milk curries with vegetables. As for your fam – this, like most self-betterment choices, is an inside job. That means that you can change you -and that’s all. You can make an effort to do this and maybe others will follow, maybe others will mock you – but in the end it’s about you and how this makes you feel. If you do the family cooking – try making one dish to add to the table. Sooner or later someone will say “Hey that looks OK, I’ll try it” and if they dont, more for you 🙂

    2. I think Dain is spot on with his suggestions. Leading by example is the best way to teach others and it sounds like that is exactly what you are doing. The more you try to force change on someone, the less likely it will happen but if you gently show them that what you are doing is positive and healthy, you are more likely to get your family on board. Best of luck to you!

  13. Hey Sarah!
    I look forward to reading your blog everyday! I love the recipes you put out and end up printing most of them 🙂
    Thanks for helping us “keep it real.” It just goes to show that it IS possible, even with kids and a crazy schedule.

    1. Thanks Gwen! : )

  14. Rachel says:

    Made the meatballs, and they were a four star hit (all four family members loved them) I forgot my ground beef on the counter of the grocery store (duh!), so I had to use the ground turkey I had on hand- it was still fantastic. Tonight’s the pork- can’t wait!
    Thanks for planning my dinners (and breakfasts and lunches- leftovers) for me!

    1. Sarah says:

      So glad the meatballs turned out Rachel!! : )

  15. I tried the zucchini sticks, added coconut flour to the mix and olive oil instead of coconut oil (because I forgot to melt it down, lol)… my verdict: AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Baked them for 25 minutes and they were delightfully crispy on the outside and firm enough on the inside. 🙂

    1. Oh wow, I have to make them now, sounds so good!!!!

  16. Sarah – Thank you for spicing up my paleo life! Your recipes are soon-to-be regulars at the San Francisco Crossfit affiliate. These meatballs are absolutely incredible and were the perfect end to a LONG week. Warmed me right up and will keep me going for the weekend!

  17. Steph Z says:

    Hi Sarah,

    My husband and I are thrilled with your recipes – the tacos the other night were outrageous, and last night we tried the meatballs from this post (we skipped the cumin because we are not fans) and there’s barely anything left over! So delicious!

    I have a question for you – traditionally, when I make meatballs, I usually put an egg and few tablespoons of bread crumbs per pound of meat. For “paleo-style” meatballs, I’ve been substituting almond flour for the bread crumbs, and I find it really helps them to stick together. Is there any nutritional reason to avoid that, or is it just preference?

    Thanks in advance, counting down till the recipe book comes out. 🙂

    1. Hi Steph Z. I too put some almond meal in my meatballs now and then, like in my marvelous meatball recipe. No huge reason to avoid the almond meal in the meatballs especially since it is very little. I’m not a big fan of eating tons of almonds or almond meal every day because for me personally I do not digest them very well and they are kind of high in the omega 6’s but I wouldn’t sweat eating some once in a while, you are doing just fine!! : )

  18. Jessie says:

    I made the meatballs last night and my husband and i LOVED them. It was one of my favorite things I have made while eating Paleo! My husband isn’t eating paleo, so I just made him some white rice and served the meatballs over the rice. Sometimes he eats with me (only paleo) and sometime he likes to have rice with his meals. The balance between our different eating styles has been working out for us so far! The zucchini sticks sound great too. I like to grill zucchini cut into 1/4 strips and drizzled with olive oil and season salt….delicious!

  19. Darron says:

    Just made these meatballs last night, but with ground bison instead of beef. They taste great, but my sauce turned out a lot darker, so the appearance leaves something to be desired. I’m glad I didn’t have to sell anyone on the leftovers other than myself. 🙂

    Thank you for all the great recipes – you make eating paleo a lot easier for me.

  20. Johannie says:

    We cooked this last night and it was amazing. Also poured some of the sauce over stake, bacon and eggs for breakfats and people at work were impressed.

  21. Michelle says:

    I could not find dried cherries (without added sugar) in 3 different grocery stores (including a whole foods, but they did have organic Garam Masala so I guess I can’t complain!), and I live in LA where usually every food item known to man is. 🙂 I bought dried apricots as I thought this would be a good substitution with flavor. Ideas? I am also going to make the walnut red pepper dip. Not having a party for superbowl, just me,but this will give me lunch for for a few days. 🙂

    1. Sarah says:

      I think dried apricots will work perfectly! Let me know how it goes!

  22. Kelly McFerran says:

    I tried your meatballs a couple weeks back and loved them! So much so, that I made them again last night. Do you by any chance have the nutritional info for this recipe? New to the paleo diet and I just want to make sure I’m consuming the right amounts of everything. I figured if you easily had this info on hand, it would be easier. Thanks for the delicious meatball recipe! I can’t wait to try more recipes!

  23. Just made these meatballs last night with ground lamb. Really delicious! Thanks for the recipe.

  24. How could I make the pork loin dish if I do not have a pressure cooker or slow cooker? Could I brown it and then slow cook it in the oven?

    1. Sarah says:

      Yes, that would work just fine!

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