We are a football-watching family. We are a snack-eating family. We’ve trained for our favorite Sunday by studying film, parsing statistics and testing recipes. Naturally, the food has demanded the most research. It needs to be fun and festive, but too much junk could trigger a dill-dip binge that cascades all the way to baseball’s spring training. After a full season of analysis, I’m calling loaded sweet potato nachos, or po-TAH-choz, our game day dish of choice.
Potachos use baked sweet potato slices instead of fried corn chips. Sweet potatoes are a delicious source of plant-based protein, potassium, fiber and vitamin A. Leave the skin on and slice them as thinly and evenly as possible. I use a mandoline, because it enables me to slice a few pounds of potatoes in less than a minute. Just be sure to wear protective gloves, because the possibility of hand trauma is real, and no one wants to miss the game while seeking medical attention. The amount of sweet potatoes you bake is directly proportional to your equipment supply; my two large baking sheets hold 1 1/2 pounds of potato slices. If you have more baking sheets, run with it and make more. I promise, every last “chip” will be enjoyed.
Toss the sliced potatoes with a dab of olive oil and warm-tasting spices like ground cumin and red pepper flakes. Tajín, my favorite salty/lime-y/peppery wonder spice blend, is magical here. You can substitute a little salt and a lot of lime juice if you don’t keep Tajín in your lineup (although you really should). Throw your potatoes in the oven; after 20-ish minutes, they will be browned on the edges and soft in the middle, ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings.
Sweet potatoes are team players and work with just about any cheese you have on hand. I’ve included nutritional information for the ubiquitous cheddar-Jack combo that you probably utilize in everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to fish tacos. Crumbled cotija cheese is another mild and tasty option. If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend blue cheese crumbles, because they pair beautifully with the sweet potatoes, and a little goes a long way. Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory combination that is memorable long after the game is played.
Pile on the salsa and green veggies to add flavor without fat. Fresh jalapenos and cilantro are easy choices; chopped green pepper, arugula and even basil work too. A chopped-up grilled chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken gives a boost of protein, or try tofu, black beans or even a scrambled egg. When it comes to potachos, there are no wrong calls.
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