Life
8 Mardi Gras Recipes That Are So Decadent, They Give New Meaning To The Phrase "Fat Tuesday"
Mardi Gras has officially arrived, which means the streets of New Orleans (and other parts of the world) will soon be filled with spectacular floats and sinful behavior. No, not guys downing shots and girls stripping down for beads, though that's bound to happen during the day-long festivities. I'm talking about indulging in the most over-the-top Mardi Gras treats that the Big Easy has to offer.
It should come as no surprise that Mardi Gras, like most holidays, is one dedicated to delicious foods. After all, it's also known as Fat Tuesday. The holiday's gluttonous roots date back to the 18th century, when members of the Christian church decided to feast all day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lent season. They saw it as their final chance to binge before spending 40 days praying and fasting. Admittedly, a very logical plan.
Because Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans, the home of Creole cuisine, the food options are obviously spicy, sweet, and, above all else, completely decadent. We scoured the Internet for the most delicious-looking Mardi Gras recipes, and found some that are guaranteed to leave your eyes and stomach satisfied. From the customary King Cake to staples like seafood stews and sandwiches, here are dishes that truly honor Fat Tuesday.
Image: rosannedanielle/Instagram
Cappuccino Pancakes With Mocha Syrup
Not all countries celebrate Mardi Gras with a parade. Canada, Australia, and Ireland honor the holiday with a heaping pile of pancakes. Though a batch of buttermilk pancakes may satisfy some, why not give this breakfast a Fat Tuesday makeover and whip up Damn Delicious’ espresso-infused creations? After a stack of these, you’ll have enough energy to take on the rest of the day’s festivities.
Image and recipe: Damn Delicious
Slow Cooker Seafood Jambalaya
Seafood, sausage, and spice. What more could you want in a dish? A Spicy Perspective’s slow cooker jambalaya is the perfect way to pay tribute to the bold flavors that make up Creole cuisine.
Image and recipe: A Spicy Perspective
Ricotta Beignets With Lemon Cardamom Sugar
Don’t call it a donut! This French fritter puts Krispy Kreme’s confections to shame. Though the treat is traditionally served with a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar, Blogging Over Thyme takes it to the next level by adding a lemon glaze.
Image and recipe: Blogging Over Thyme
Muffuletta Sandwich
You’ve never seen a sandwich quite like this. Created by New Orlean’s Italian immigrants, this dish uses a crusty bread as the base, and it’s topped with an olive spread, mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella, and provolone. Think your stomach can handle this?
Image: Bill Roehl/Flickr
Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding
Pay tribute to the famous Bourbon Street by whipping up A Cozy Kitchen’s spiked butterscotch pudding. Between the salted nuts, caramel sauce, and whipped cream, you may not be able to move after your last bite.
Image and recipe: A Cozy Kitchen
Bananas Foster Cake
It may not be a Mardi Gras staple, but this boozy banana concoction originated in the French Quarter. For those who aren’t up to eating ice cream in February, Adventures In Cooking offers a sweet solution — a cream-filled cake.
Image and recipe: Adventures In Cooking
Fried Oyster Po'boy
Fried seafood is already a sinful dish. Add a toasted baguette and Emeril Lagasse’s jalapeño mayo, and you have a sandwich that would shock the devil.
Image: Buck82/Flickr
King Cake
You can’t end your Mardi Gras celebration without cutting into Joy the Baker’s King Cake. But between the pastry’s flaky crust and cinnamon sugar filling, it may be difficult to stop at one slice.
Image and recipe: Joy the Baker
