Mardi Gras. Beads. Bands. Booze. But so much more!
The food! Oh the food! Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is universally known as the gluttonous, fatty food extravaganza before the fasting of Lent begins. The real beauty of this celebration? You don’t need to be Catholic to really get behind it. Score!
To honor this beloved carnival, I’ve scoured Louisiana culinary favs to put together a killer feast fit for the name Fat Tuesday! And if you think this was an easy feat, you have another thing comin’. I waded through recipe after recipe and continually stumbled on gems like buffalo alligator po’ boys, crawfish and goat cheese king cake, crab hash, duck gumbo, rabbit stew, creole cream cheese sausage lasagna, muffuletta panzanella salad, asparagus with romesco and buttermilk crema, fried boudin balls (had to look that one up), and fried catfish.
My head was swimming with all these classic Louisianan dishes. I took a deep breath, gave myself a little pep talk, and then started to plan my culinary attack. How to honor these southern flavors and traditions, without meat, fish, dairy, or eggs? Here’s how!
Stuffed mushrooms: Flavorsome but not laborsome, this crabless popable appetizer is sure to please.
Creole spiced fishless fillets with tartar sauce: Gardein fish filets anchor this sassy entrée that really delivers authentic southern flavor. Perfectly paired with a simple homemade tartar sauce.
Crockpot jambalaya: A whole lotta spice, a whole lotta fun.
Grits with creole spiced tofu: This southern classic gets a savvy vegan makeover.
Red beans and rice: Simple. Hearty. Flavorful.
Southern style okra and corn: The south’s vegetable darlings come together in glorious harmony. Indeed, Okra’s slimy rep will get the boot after sampling this colorful side.
Bread pudding with praline sauce: You don’t have to ask me twice to indulge in this fine example of southern pecan deliciousness.
So let’s embrace that New Orleans spirit – gather a few friends, sample some flavorful fare, and enjoy the festivities! Bon Appetit, y’all!
