When you think of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, you probably think of bright colors, parades, shiny beads around everyone’s necks, and plenty of comfort cooking. This Carnival celebration is an all-out, all-rich-foods celebration right before Ash Wednesday starts the fasting season of Lent. Join in the festivities this year and cook up a feast fit for royalty! You don’t have to be in New Orleans to enjoy the traditional dishes of Mardi Gras. From flaky, delicious desserts to hearty, flavorful, seafood dinner dishes, we’re sure this spread will leave your stomach so full you’ll be happy the fasting season has arrived the next morning.
King Cake
The King Cake is a tradition for Mardi Gras and the holiday of Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6. This combination coffee cake and cinnamon roll is sweet and delicious with a baby hidden inside to represent baby Jesus. Whoever gets the slice with the figure wins a prize. We recommend decorating your king cake with the purple, yellow, and green frosting or sprinkles to really get into the Mardi Gras spirit.
Jambalaya
What says New Orleans more than a big bowl of Jambalaya? It’s warm, spicy, and made from the heart. Our recipe piles the protein high with chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage mixed into rice, celery, onion, green pepper, and a savory broth. It’s a recipe that reminds you there’s nothing quite like homemade cooking.
Green Gumbo
Fat Tuesday is right before Lent so feel free to load up your gumbo with ham, andouille sausage, slab bacon, or all three! Our Green Gumbo starts with a rich stock of smoked ham hock or slab bacon, bay leaves, black peppercorn, and allspice berries. Then we add in your choice of protein, onion, celery heart, bell pepper, kale, collard greens, and so much more to make this a fulfilling dish for your celebration.
Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cheddar Cheese Grits
Grits are another staple of Louisiana, especially when they’re cheesy! In this recipe, we pair them with a Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe whose results are so tender, the meat falls off the bone. A perfect accompaniment to creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits. It’s truly a comfort dish at its finest level that’ll make you feel like you’re at a cafe on the streets of New Orleans.
Turmeric Lemon Beignets
Who would we be if we didn’t include beignets in our Mardi Gras menu? This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of turmeric and lemon to create a unique and unforgettable treat. These fluffy, golden squares of fried dough are not only delightful in their cloud-like texture but in their punch of flavor as well.
Zesty Shrimp Roll
If you’re looking for a smaller bite that still incorporates essentials like shrimp and a little bit of spice, our Zesty Shrimp Rolls are your perfect appetizer. Grab your favorite bun and stuff it up with shrimp, celery, carrots, and fennel, then coat in a zesty, tangy sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili flakes, lime, and lemon. So simple to make and just as easy to enjoy.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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