Quick Facts. Ready In: 15 minutes Ingredients: 11 cups cooked rice, 1 cup frozen green peas, 1 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/3 cup diced green pepper, 3 tablespoons sliced green onions, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing, 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 lettuce leaf Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration leading up to the Christian period called Lent. A direct contrast to Lent's self-reflective, sacrificing feel, Mardi Gras celebrates the joy of life through music, revelry, and most importantly, food. These recipes are great for the Mardi Gras season and beyond. True, these are the best recipes for celebrating the Mardi Gras season—but these simple and reliable recipes for New Orleans classics like gumbo, étouffée, po' boys, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster are perfect for any Tuesday of the year (not just Fat Tuesday). Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine mayonnaise, Creole seasoning, and curry powder; add to rice mixture, tossing gently. These recipes make any day a party, whether you're whipping up New Orleans classics like shrimp étouffée or an unexpected mash-up like warm gumbo dip. No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets, like our Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake or King Cake Beignets. Take a look through our recipes for best Fat Tuesday recipes From the Recipe Creator: Being from Louisiana, my go-to comfort Mardi Gras recipe is red beans and rice. The Crock-Pot makes it so easy and the recipe reminds me of Sunday family dinners going back generations. 2. Dirty Rice. This dirty rice dish is a Louisiana staple and perfect on its own or as a bountiful side dish. It gets its “dirty” name from the flavorful mix of ground meat, spices, and holy trinity that give plain ol’ rice a bold, smoky kick. If you're looking to get creative with your Mardi Gras foods, try Ree Drummond's twist on Cajun pasta or whip up some Mardi Gras desserts like the spritz cookies that look like mini king cakes. And while Mardi Gras falls on March 4 in 2025, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long. This year’s Mardi Gras, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, is celebrated March 4. “Mardi Gras is an imported Catholic custom, a religious tradition celebrating the last day of an indulgent Carnival season Mardi Gras Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the cooked rice and green peas providing a good source of energy for the body. Fats The sour cream in this dish adds a creamy texture and a small amount of fat to the recipe. Celebrate Mardi Gras with the best flavors of New Orleans! From classic red beans and rice to rich crawfish étouffée, spicy boudin, and sweet treats like pralines and beignets, these Mardi Gras food ideas bring the party to your kitchen during Carnival and Fat Tuesday. March 4 is Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of Carnival season just before Lent, which is the 40-day period during which many people spend in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Naturally Red beans and rice has been a traditional dish in New Orleans for decades, and is typically eaten on Mondays because it was originally made with the ham bone left over from Sunday dinner. Thanks to the ease of this recipe, which requires just 10 minutes of hands-on work, you can enjoy this tasty side on Mardi Gras and beyond. Dive into a flavorful Mardi Gras feast featuring authentic Cajun and Creole entrées paired with classic Southern side dishes. From spicy jambalaya to savory gumbo, discover traditional recipes that bring the vibrant tastes of New Orleans to your table. Ingredients. For the rice. 11 lbs 9 oz Rice, dry brown long grain; water per amount on the package; 4 1/2 lbs Red Cabbage, finely shredded; 4 3/4 lbs Corn frozen, slacked Mardi Gras Party Planning MADE EASY. Mardi Gras is a fun celebration with parades, costumes, music, and yummy food! It’s the perfect chance to enjoy spicy dishes, sweet treats like King Cake, and have a great time with friends. A Mardi Gras menu made for you means no stress over what to cook—just more time to enjoy the party! The vibrant rhythms and intoxicating aromas of New Orleans may be miles away, but the spirit of the Big Easy is closer than you think. In these 13 Cajun Mardi Gras recipes capture the soul-stirring magic that makes Louisiana cuisine an unforgettable celebration of flavor, history, and joie de vivre. Dried red beans: The star of the show, providing a hearty, velvety texture in the final dish. Water: Helps the beans soften in the slow cooker. Bell pepper, onion, and celery sticks: A classic Holy Trinity to build flavor. Just in time for Mardi Gras, this Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe has all that great New Orleans flavor while packing a ton of nutritious vegetables! This cajun rice is Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free, Whole30 and Paleo compliant. Perfect for enjoying Mardi Gras food in a healthier way. Cauliflower rice has always been a bit This Mardi Gras recipe brings the best of New Orleans cuisine with minimal prep and clean-up. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage. New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch for Mardi Gras New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch for Mardi Gras. Photo credit: xoxoBella.
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