Sure, we might have waved goodbye to the Chargers, but San Diego’s football fever? It’s burning brighter than ever under the Friday Night Lights. Forget the pros – we’re all about cheering on our local heroes, those high school gladiators battling it out on the gridiron. And what’s a football game without a proper tailgate? Or, in our case, a backyard bash that kicks off before the stadium lights even flicker.
This isn’t your average burger-and-dogs affair. We’re in sunny San Diego, where fresh, vibrant flavors reign supreme. So, while the air crackles with anticipation, my backyard transforms into a culinary playground, a pre-game ritual fueled by good company and even better food.
The Star of the Show: Veggie Pulled Pork Chili – A Crowd Pleaser That Converts Carnivores.
Let’s be honest, chili is the MVP of fall comfort food. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill, meat-heavy concoction. This is a symphony of savory goodness, featuring the surprising star: Veggie Pulled Pork. Yes, you read that right. And trust me, even the most dedicated meat lovers are lining up for seconds.
“Wait, this is vegetarian?” That’s the question I hear most often. Trader Joe’s and Vons have become my secret weapons, stocking those magical bags of plant-based pulled pork that transform into culinary gold.
The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity. It’s a “dump-and-go” masterpiece, perfect for those hectic Friday afternoons. A crockpot is your best friend here, slowly simmering a medley of kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, peppers, and onions, all infused with the smoky warmth of chili powder.
Some of our friends don’t eat meat, so my Veggie Chili with Veggie Pulled Pork recipe is the perfect hearty and tasty meal before a lengthy football game. Usually, my meat-eating friends prefer the vegetarian options that I prepare because they are so delicious.
Trader Joe’s and Vons has a great selection of vegetarian pulled pork options. However, if you’re a meat eater, you can opt for organic and corn/soy free Pasture-raised pork.
I was so excited when Veggie Pulled Pork came out because it’s very easy to prepare and a versatile plant protein meal starter. This chili recipe is a satisfying meal for cool Fall evenings and since a crock pot is used, you can practically ignore it until time to eat!
Here’s the Play-by-Play:
- The Lineup:
- 1 large crockpot (your quarterback)
- 1 bag MorningStar Farms® Veggie Pulled Pork (the star player)
- 2 cans kidney beans, rinsed (the solid defense)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed (the agile linebacker)
- 1 diced green pepper (the speedy wide receiver)
- 1 diced jalapeno (the fiery kicker)
- 1 cup frozen corn (the sweet surprise)
- 1/2 large or 1 small diced onion (the reliable center)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (the game-winning play)
- 1 teaspoon salt (the steady rhythm)
- 2 cups water (the hydrating hero)
- The Game Plan:
- Dump everything into the crockpot.
- Mix well.
- Set on high for 4 hours, or low for 6-8.
- Occasionally check fluid level.
- Serve hot, with a mountain of toppings.
- The Victory Lap (Toppings):
- Shredded cheddar cheese (the golden trophy)
- Cool sour cream (the smooth victory dance)
- Fresh cilantro (the celebratory confetti)
But Wait, There’s More! Black Bean Burger Blitz!
No tailgate is complete without burgers, and my grill is sizzling with MorningStar Farms® Spicy Black Bean Burgers. These aren’t your average veggie patties; they’re the reigning champions of flavor, America’s #1 veggie burger.
Guests can build their dream burgers with fluffy buns, cheese, lettuce, and all the fixings. And for the truly adventurous, a scoop of Veggie Pulled Pork Chili on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Real MVP: Healthy, Delicious, and Convenient.
In San Diego, we’re all about living our best, healthiest lives. That’s why I love MorningStar Farms® products. They’re plant-based, packed with flavor, and incredibly convenient. It’s a win-win for everyone, whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthier option.
So, as the sun sets and the stadium lights begin to glow, my backyard is filled with laughter, the aroma of chili, and the excitement of Friday Night Lights. It’s a San Diego tradition, reimagined with a healthy, delicious twist. And trust me, even without the pro teams, we’re still winning.
