As football season is starting some may find it difficult to merge Meatless Monday with watching Monday night football but fear not – we have a solution for you. Football fare is normally synonymous with meat based food items but that doesn’t have to be the case as the perfect meatless alternatives are out there. Today we bring a couple examples of great tasting game-day dishes that are sure to impress carnivores, omnivores, pescetarians, pollotarians and vegetarians alike (I hope I didn’t leave anyone out). First we have a hearty vegetarian jambalaya which comes courtesy of  food.com and no one will even notice the meat’s missing. We also included a hot spinach-artichoke dip appetizer or halftime treat courtesy of Paula Deen’s. Keep in mind that these recipes recommend using some convenience items to make throwing together quickly possible but it’s always best to make your own if skill and time allows.  Now let’s get cooking!

 Vegetarian Jambalaya Ingredients

• 4 (3 1/2 ounce) bags boil-in-the-bag rice (or equivalent white/brown prepared traditionally)
• 2 quarts water
• 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or 14 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups frozen corn (Niblets)
• 1 (14 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 onion
• crushed garlic
• 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Boil rice as per boxed instructions and drain and set aside. Sweat onion in pan and then add remaining ingredients. Add rice and return to boil until flavours well blended.

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
• 2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor. Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame. Serve with bagel, pita, tortilla chips. or your favourite cracker.

The hot spinach-artichoke dip will make about four cups. This is a perennial favorite that will be a delicious addition to your night. The vegetarian jambalaya will yield ten servings. It is the perfect meal to make a big pot of because it will leave everyone wanting seconds and thirds. If by chance you have any left over, it will reheat well for a quick packed lunch. Complete the offering with some garlic toast and if you like a little hear, feel free to use hot chili flakes or hot pepper sauce to add a little spice. So here’s to a healthier and more planet friendly version of your favorite game day dishes and best of all you know all the ingredients in it. Enjoy!