Tailgating for Vegetarians

By Lori Fricks

 
As the hot days of summer change over to bright blue skies and cool breezes, football fans across the country are packing up coolers and camping chairs.  They head out in droves in the early morning hours to stadium parking lots.  There is a sense of excitement and anticipation as they pull in and set up camp.  For most, this is a familiar routine and every member of the group has a job to do.  In order of importance:

1.      Find the bathrooms

2.      Unpack the car

3.      Set up the tent and chairs

4.      Food/beverage inventory check

5.      Locate the football (usually jammed under a car seat)

6.      Headcount of all children that were originally in the car

 Football season brings with it the famous Tailgate Party and all are welcome.  Professional and college games are treated with equal enthusiasm by loyal fans.  There is a sea of color as far as the eye can see.  Depending on where you live in the country, you may be surrounded by aqua and orange (Miami Dolphins), scarlet and gray (Ohio State University) or even blue and white (Indianapolis Colts).  Clothing, flags, and the occasional painted face all proclaim team pride.

Regardless of which team you support, the concept of tailgating is universal.  Groups of fans gather en masse to celebrate the spirit of the game, show support for their chosen teams, and enjoy good food.  It’s one of the few occasions that allow people from all walks of life, economic backgrounds, political persuasions, colors and ages to come together for the sole purpose of having a good time.  At a tailgate party, no one is excluded.  Fans of the opposing team are welcomed with good-natured rivalry and an offer to join in.  Whatever teams are playing that day; the name of the game is fun, with food running a close second.  Kids and adults toss around footballs. Fellow sports fans reunite from previous parties to discuss the current and future games and team players.  Families may stay to themselves or mill about, mingling with other groups.  Children run up and down carnival-style aisles, breathless from the excitement of it all.  Tailgate parties are a sort of ordered chaos that never steps over the line. 

Some tailgaters have tickets, and head into the stadium for the start of the game.  However, one does not need a ticket to enjoy tailgating.  Once the coin toss has occurred, flat screened televisions dot the landscape.  Radios carrying play-by-play details can be heard far and wide.  Cheers and groans alternate throughout the crowd as yards are gained or lost.  Strategies are discussed and debated.  Everyone is an armchair quarterback. 

 Regardless of any differences between fans at the party, there is one thing they all have in common: food.  Every site has at least one cooler and most have a grill.  Some are self-contained; others share with friends or passers by.  Grill masters are praised as their food sizzles and smokes, perfuming the air with mouthwatering scent.  Under the laughter, discussions and camaraderie, the smell of food permeates the scene.  Occasionally, there are impromptu amateur grilling contests. The vast array of food options reflects the nature of such a diverse crowd.  For some, a simple cooler of sandwiches and beverages is all that is needed.  Others take eating seriously and break out professional grills and choice-cut meats.  Those in the middle ground opt for hamburgers, brats, hot dogs or even chili.  It’s a carnivore’s paradise. 

 Vegetarians needn’t be discouraged by the prevalence of meat.  We have just as many options as our meat-eating friends.  As with any outdoor event that involves food, the side dishes available are numerous.  If other partygoers invite you to try their food, simply ask about the ingredients.  Bringing your own vegetarian food is a good way to introduce others to the idea of a plant-based diet.  Reciprocate by asking them to have a bowl of your chili made with soy-based protein.  Offer those around you the chance to taste a sample of your dishes, and you will be surprised how many will then ask for your recipe.    Today’s soy-based products allow us to grill out as well.  Vegetarian hot dogs are available at most large grocery and whole food stores.  Grilled vegetables are a delicious side dish and can be paired with a protein for a main course.  Add some soaked mesquite or hickory chips to your charcoal for a fantastic flavor.  Lightly toast slices of Italian or French bread on the grill and top it with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic and Parmesan cheese for an easy bruschetta. 

 Tailgating is an opportunity to experience camaraderie and fun.  It is a way for a diverse group of individuals to come together as a group, using a love of sports and food to bridge the gaps between them.  Rival sports team fans, carnivores, vegetarians and those from different cultures gather together to celebrate what they have in common.  As my aunt Debi Scholfield, an avid Ohio State University fan and experienced tailgater, describes, “It’s a great American tradition.  We have a great time and eat a lot of great food.”  This football season; take a break from the stress of everyday life. Pack up the car, load up the kids and head out to your area stadium for a tailgate party.  Spend quality time with family members and make new friends through fun and food. 

 BLACK BEAN FAJITAS TAIGATE STYLE

 1 Can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 Green bell peppers, cut into strips

1 Large Onion, peeled and cut into ¼ inch rings, do not separate

1/3-cup water

1 package taco seasoning

1-package flour tortillas, fajita or soft taco sized

Chopped cilantro (optional)

Chopped tomatoes

Shredded lettuce

Shredded cheese

Chopped avocado (optional)

Salsa

Olive oil

 Put all ingredients separately into zip lock bags or plastic bowls with lids, store in cooler until ready to use. Use foil to cover an area of grill large enough to accommodate a small saucepan.  Preheat grill to medium. Brush grill with olive oil.  Place green peppers and onions on grill.  Add beans, water and taco seasoning to small saucepan and stir until combined.  Put saucepan on foil-covered grill area, stirring occasionally until heated through.  Grill peppers and onions, turning once, until slightly soft and edges begin to blacken.  Remove to a dish.  Remove black bean mixture from grill.  Heat tortillas by placing them on the grill for 30 seconds, then flip over for an additional 30 seconds until warm and pliable.  Transfer tortillas to a plate.  Serve tortillas burrito-style with black bean mixture, green peppers and onions.  Add cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, salsa and avocado to taste.