By Leigh O’Connor.
It’s back baby…from tomorrow night, Thursday March 2 the NRL returns bigger and better than ever!
Kicking off the first night of action for the 116th season of professional rugby league in Australia, the mercurial Melbourne Storm go head to head with the Parramatta Eels and footy fanatics can’t wait.
There are a number of firsts in 2023 – Wayne Bennett’s Redcliffe Dolphins make their debut on Sunday, March 5 against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, while the NZ Warriors will play 12 games at home this year for the first time since 2019 due to COVID.
The season will consist of 204 matches over 27 regular rounds with more action over a longer season, culminating in the Grand Final on Sunday, October 1.
That’s a lot of footy and we can hear you groaning…what am I going to feed them while they are watching the game?
Never fear, we have four creative recipes sure to score and keep the opposition at bay:
Every time you get a sniff of burgers, hot dogs, pies and sausage rolls, you think of footy – let’s take your next Kransky to a whole new level with this Amazing Hotdog recipe from Australian Chef Ben O’Donoghue.
Best enjoyed with a German beer, use cheesy Kransky sausages along with sauerkraut, Japanese mayo, Dijon mustard, cheddar and currywurst sauce to deliver the ultimate in dogs to family and friends.
If you can’t find German currywurst paste, mix one teaspoon of mild curry powder with tomato sauce for a similar result.
Romesco is a Spanish red sauce often served with fish dishes, but it is also great with chicken and vegetables. Luke Mangan’s dish of baked spicy chicken drumettes will result in much finger-lickin’ footy fun.
"These little chicken drumettes are about as easy and flavoursome as they come. Marinate them overnight if you have time, to really get the most out of the spices. I can’t tell you how many times we’re asked for this recipe. It never fails,” Luke says.
There’s something about juicy corn cobs just waiting to be devoured, covered in Parmesan, smoked paprika, cumin and toasted pepitas; this recipe for Mexican grilled corn puts an exotic twist on an old-time favourite.
Let’s close on a healthy note…yes footy food can be healthy just ask Alison Wright - as a nutritionist, there is always the assumption that Alison loves to cook!
In reality, this Alimentary brainchild works within the same parameters as most people…putting simple, healthy meals together every day is something of a challenge and with a footy-mad husband, there's plenty of demand for game snacks like these chilli bean nachos.
"You may be thinking, how can I possibly turn a classic Tex Mex dish of chilli bean nachos from its saturated fat, artery-clogging heights with beef, sour cream, cheese and salt, into something healthy (and edible)?” she says.
Packed with plant protein and fibre, this flavoursome version of nachos will satisfy your taste buds, support your health and turn footy night into a delicious celebration.
For more footy food ideas, click here.
