When the guys get together for a sporting fixture, there is most definitely a need for some tasty nibbles that will go down well with a few cold beers.
Large set meals are best avoided at these types of sporting occasions, as guests generally tend to be more focused on the TV than they are on balancing loaded plates on their laps.
To get the cuisine just right, you need to offer your guests something that is both tasty, as well as being easy to eat whilst keeping one eye on the TV screen.
Whether you prepare the food yourself or you bring out the big guns and order a takeaway, you need to carefully think about what kind of dishes would best suit your sports minded guests.
1. Barbequed burgers and hotdogs
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If you have an outdoor screen, a barbeque would most definitely go down well with the boys. A choice selection of charcoaled grilled burgers and hotdogs can be easily eaten whilst watching TV and are a great accompaniment to any cold beer.
2. Pizza
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Pizza is always a big hit at any indoor sporting occasion. It is tasty, easy to eat and can be ordered very quickly. You can even get pizza delivery in Egypt as well as a host of North African and Middle Eastern countries. If you are watching the super bowl away from home, a few boxes of pizza will almost certainly do the trick.
3. Chicken Kebabs
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Chicken kebabs are filling and incredibly tasty. You can order directly from your local takeaway if you are a bit pushed for time, or you could make them yourself under the grill or on your barbeque. If you choose the latter, there is a huge range of marinating recipes to choose from, including honey and garlic and even ginger and lemon. A yummy treat for any serious sports minded gathering.
4. Fish and Chips
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You can’t go far wrong with fish and chips. This traditional British dish is possibly not the most nutritious of meals, but it is perfect for keeping the boys going well into extra time. If you order directly from the fish and chip shop, your guests can even eat out of the wrappers, saving you from having to do the washing up. It’s a firm favourite in the UK with many sports fans.
5. Chicken Sausage Rolls
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For a summer’s day sporting event, chicken sausage rolls would go down very nicely. You can make these yourself very easily with just a couple of chicken breasts, a few rashers of bacon, 4 sun dried tomatoes and 400 grams of ready-made puff pastry. Simply mince the cooked chicken and bacon into a blender until it forms a thick paste. Then add tomatoes, garlic and blend for another 10 seconds. Add seasoning to taste and you are ready to place your filling onto your pre-rolled pastry. Roll them up, brush with a beaten egg and place in a moderately hot oven for about twenty minutes. It you time it right, you could serve them at half time.
6. Lamb Souvlaki
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Lamb souvlaki is a big favourite in Greece; it combines the taste of lamb with red wine, oregano, garlic and lemon. To make this delicious dish, all you need do is marinate 1 kilo of cubed lamb shoulder or leg in a plastic bag with 100 ml olive oil, 100 ml of red wine, the juice from 2 lemons, 2 tsp of dried oregano and 2 garlic cloves crushed. Take out of the bag and thread onto either metal of wooden skewers. Barbeque or grill for about ten minutes turning occasionally.
7. Sushi
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If you would like to give your sporting event an air of sophistication, why not order in some sushi. If you have a quick look online, you will be sure to find a suitable takeaway in your area. You could even accompany it with some Japanese beer for a really authentic feel.
Remember, the ideal food for a sporting event needs to be easy to eat, tasty, and if you decide to cook yourself, taking the minimum amount of preparation time.
About the Author
Demi Pollard is a freelance writer for Pizza Hut, an international food chain that specialises in providing delicious pizzas and pasta. They have branches in the Middle East to cater to the needs of people in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other areas.
Fantastic recipes. Outdoor grilling is a way of life here in the Midwest!