Mardi Gras, which translates from French to mean Fat Tuesday, is a holiday that you probably know of to some extent. In Catholicism, Mardi Gras marks the last day of celebration before the beginning of Lent. But in the modern United States, the day is essentially an excuse to have a good time. New Orleans is especially known for having one of the best Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. Days of festive, beautiful parades are often followed by nights of not-so-kid-friendly activities in The Big Easy.
Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras to let loose a little before Ash Wednesday or you’re just looking to have a little fun, hosting your very own Mardi Gras party is always a great option. And everyone knows that the main focus of a good party is the food! Some of these recipes specifically embody Fat Tuesday while others are a little more reminiscent of classic New Orleans dishes. They are recognizable, delicious, and an amazing addition to any festive celebration.
Dinner
Source: spicysouthernkitchen.com
1. Crawfish Fettuccini
CRAW-fish, CRAY-fish, however you decide to say it, you can’t deny that it’s is a major component in tons of southern-inspired dishes. This crawfish fettuccini combines the delicious little morsels with a classic Italian recipe to create this perfectly blended meal.
Check out Spicy Southern Kitchen to find more amazing southern recipes.
Source: whitbitskitchen.com
2. Shrimp Po’Boys
A sandwich originally created and perfected in Louisiana, po’ boys come in a few different forms. While some love fried shrimp, others prefer beef or other seafood items like crab. This classic take on the traditional sandwich includes a large heaping of beer-battered shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and a great sauce. These boys may be simple, but they definitely pack tons of heat.
Get multicultural recipes made simple at WhitBit’s Kitchen.
Source: littlespicejar.com
3. New Orleans Gumbo
No recipe list that even passively mentions New Orleans is complete without a big pot of gumbo. Filled with shrimp and sausage alongside tons of spice and vegetables, every spoonful of this gumbo fills you with love and warmth.
Head over to Little Spice Jar to find great recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Dessert
Source: thekitchn.com
4. King Cake
King Cake may be the one of the only desserts that is specifically made for Mardi gras. Perfectly rolled and formed into shape and filled with an amazing cinnamon sugar mixture, this cake is amazing from its yellow, green, and gold exterior to its warm insides.
Find great recipes and even better cooking tutorials at The Kitchn.
Source: spicysouthernkitchen.com