Tailgating with Falcon’s Ovie Mughelli

You may not guess this tough Atlanta Falcons starting fullback has a soft spot for the environment, but Ovie Mughelli does. He started the Ovie Mughelli Foundation last year to encourage kids to focus on caring for the environment. Their motto is “Our Future is Green.”

As someone who cares about the environment, Ovie also focuses on organic ingredients with his cooking. And what’s a better cool-weather, tailgating dish than chili? More specifically, Ovie has a great chili recipe to share with you! Maybe you can even make it for a game soon.

Chili with Charleston Spice, The Ultimate Tailgate Dish
by Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta Falcons starting fullback and Eco-Athlete

Ingredients:

• 1-16 oz can of each: organic black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans
• 1 lb bag of fresh whole kernel corn
• 3 plum tomatoes diced
• 2 lb of free range organic boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2-16 oz cans organic diced stewed tomatoes

Charleston Spice:
(Combine following ingredients)

• 4 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp tumeric
• 1-1/2 tsp cocoa powder- unsweetened
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp of minced garlic
• 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper

Directions:
(Makes 8 servings)

• Dice chicken breast in 1/2 inch cubes.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Sauté in 2 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until brown. Remove from pan.
• In a stock pot, add beans, tomatoes, corn.
• Bring to a slow simmer. Then add Charleston Spice and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add cooked chicken.
• Let stand for 10 minutes on low heat.
• Garnish with organic cheese and low-fat sour cream.

What are your favorite tailgating dishes?

(Image via Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast)