Mardi Gras also known as “Fat Tuesday”, “Shrove Tuesday,” or “Carnival” is a big celebration that occurs right before the start of Lent. It is celebrated in countries around the world including: Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Cologne in Germany, Venice in Italy, Nice in France, and Quebec City in Canada. Parades are a staple of this celebration and each parade is hosted by a group or organization called “Krewes.” The individual Krewes have their own theme and each one throws something different into the crowd at the parade. Surprisingly, celebrities have also been known to join Mardi Gras Krewes to celebrate the day—some of the most famous being Britney Spears, Will Farrell, Nicholas Cage, Larry King, Steven Tyler, and Pitbull.
What is a party without food?
New Orleans is not only known for hosting one of the most poppin’ Mardi Gras celebrations out there, but they are also known for their delicious and soulful food! New Orleans has a heavy French and Creole influence that gives their food both outstanding flavor and character. The food is known for being packed full of flavor and sometimes spice. Curious to try your hand at creating some New Orleans classics for dinner? I’ve listed some of my favorite recipes for you to try out. Get that soul-food lovin’ that you deserve!
1. Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo by Jessica Gavin
This is an excellent option for those of you out there who don’t like seafood! It has chicken, smokey andouille sausage, filé powder (sourced from the Sassafras tree), and okra. This recipe has all of the traditional cajun spice needed for a classic New Orleans dinner.
2. Shrimp Etouffee by Imma of Immaculate Bites
This is my go-to Creole comfort food dish! This delicious shrimp recipe incorporates Imma’s homemade creole cajun seasoning. I’m a big fan of homemade spice blends. You absolutely need to try this one out!
3. Muffuletta Sandwich by Karen Chan of Honestly Yum
The meat lovers special! This easy sandwich recipe has 4 different types of meat including genoa salami, capocollo, ham, and mortadella as well as mozzarella and provolone cheese. It’s also on my favorite bread, focaccia, but you could use herb focaccia or gluten-free bread.
4. Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich by Imma of Immaculate Bites
This is New Orleans comfort food at its finest— a sandwich loaded with mouthwatering buttermilk battered fried shrimp and served on a hoagie roll with a spicy remoulade sauce. Don’t forget your relish, tomato, and lettuce!
5. Crawfish Boil by Alton Brown
This traditional Crawfish Broil recipe is loaded with an amazing combination of flavors from spices including all-spice, coriander, dill, and bay leaf. Add in 10 pounds of crawfish, 2 heads of garlic, 1 pound of andouille sausage, 3 pounds of small red potatoes, 8 ears of corn and you’ve got a recipe that will easily feed 10 to 12 people.
Will you be trying one of these recipes to celebrate Mardi Gras and New Orleans culture? Share your pictures and favorite soul-food recipes below! 👇
