A Kurdish Twist On Tailgating

Tailgating is as American as apple pie and barbecue. Yet imagine if there was a spin to it. There is  - in Nashville where a thriving Kurdish community. The Kurds have not only brought their favorite national dishes to this all American past time but their passion as well.

Priya Krishna, a regular contributor to The New York Times and author of Indian-ish :Recipes and Antics From a Modern American Family, wrote about these Tennessee Titan fans. in yesterday's New York Times Food section. Nashville is home to 15,000 displaced Kurds, one of the largest Kurdish populations in the United States. Many have sad and bloody  memories of their war destroyed homeland, Kurdistan, a semiautonomous region of the Middle East. Their fierce devotion is a salve, perhaps, for all the bloodshed and destruction they've witnessed back in Syria.  They've fallen in love with the Titans, having an intense love of them. With that love comes the usual love of all things football - especially tailgating. There are hamburgers and hotdogs, cooked on grills alongside of biryanis. Fans much on the spicy versions of Cheetos, Funyuns and Pringles in such flavors as Extra Hot Chili and Lime. What's missing is the usual coolers of beer. The Kurds are Muslim which means no alcohol. The burgers and biryanis are washed down with orange soda and pouches of Kool-Aid.

American tailgaters can try some of the Kurdish recipes (there's a lot on the web). Kurdish style biryani starts off with pan fried chicken but you could easily skewer and grill it. It's served over a rice flavored with cardamon, ginger, nutmeg and ginger. Carrots, peas and potatoes are added. You could also add tomatoes too. The Kurds love stuffed grape leaves and these are always a treat to any gathering. You can buy them already made but they're also good homemade too. The leaves do have to be cooked with lemon juice and boiled water but it only takes three minutes. The filling can vary. You can add meat or not , along with raisins and various spices. Add slices of cabbage for a real Kurdish dish.  You can cook them in a pot filled with water or in an Insta-pot or crockpot for ease (and if you think you can't bring a crockpot to a tailgating party think again. Buy the Crockpot Two quart hookup at Kohl's that you can bring anywhere, from a tailgating party to a camping trip.) . The Kurds also make kutilk, eye shaped fritters , stuffed with chicken and crusted with rice. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a different spin.

The Tennessee Titans have the best cheering squad - the Nashville Kurdish community. They not only bring the love but all a wide array of delicious dishes. They are devoted to their team and bring a delicious spin to the traditional tailgating party.