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Happy Fat Tuesday! If you’re a Mardi Gras lover like me, and were lucky enough to celebrate in New Orleans, then you know today is all about catching those final morning parades, resting, and indulging in some yummy traditional NOLA style food.
Even if it’s “fat” Tuesday – we can still (try) to keep some of these classic dishes on the healthier side. Here are a few great New Orleans inspired meals with some healthy ingredient swaps!
- Shrimp & Ham Jambalaya
Jambalaya is one of New Orleans’ most delicious and flavorful meals, traditionally made with a meat, vegetable, and rice mix. However, key ingredients, like sausage, can make this dish high in fats and not so healthy. Instead, using leaner options, like ham and shrimp, or even vegan options like tofu, is a great way to make this a lighter, yet equally yummy meal – check out this recipe, courtesy of Ellie Krieger via Food Network!
- Paleo Dirty Rice
If you’ve hopped on the grain-free bandwagon – then this paleo-spin on a New Orleans classic will give you Cajun-packed flavors while sticking to a low-carb diet. Substitute white rice for cauliflower “rice” (which is actually delicious!), add in some garlic, onion, peppers and celery and chili powder and voila, you’ve got yourself a New Orleans classic! Check out the full recipe here.
- Vegan Red Beans & Rice
Red Beans & Rice is traditionally made with sausage, bacon fat and other fatty meats, instead, cut out the meat and enjoy a classic Cajun dish that is filled with fiber, protein and most importantly – flavor! Try out this mouth-watering recipe, courtesy of Emilie of Emilie Eats, and indulge guilt-free!
- Bananas Foster Overnight Oats
This recipe is just so. unbelievably. good. If you live or have been to New Orleans, then you know you can find some of the best bananas foster desserts in the Big Easy – The Court of Two Sisters, Brennan’s, and Arnaud’s are just a few spots out of dozens that I could never turn down ordering this from. Thankfully, there’s a healthier, super easy version that you can have as your breakfast! Check it out here.
- Vegan King Cake
King Cake is a Mardi Gras staple – and if you’re planning ontrulyindulging in something – I suggest it be this! But, if you’re like me and all king-caked out, or living a vegan lifestyle, then this delicious vegan King Cake recipe will leave you wondering if it’s even the healthier version at all! Learn how to make it here.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
