Today is Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent. It’s celebrated by Christian communities around the world in different ways. It can be fun for everyone, no matter your beliefs.
Last year, we shared the story of how one of our team members is English and grew up celebrating Pancake Tuesday. Getting all the fat and eggs out before Lent was important in her household. So, we had a bunch of low-carb pancake options.
This year, we are looking at another tradition, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. It’s a celebration devoted to eating rich, fatty foods before fasting during Lent. Whether or not you’re giving up anything for Lent, you will love these recipes. They are also healthier and lower in carbs and fat than what you will find in New Orleans!
We love that these wraps have so much flavor without the carbs! Andouille sausage and shrimp are perfect when paired with Cajun seasoning for a Mardi Gras meal. When you look at the ingredient list, you might be shocked by the length, but many of the spices are probably already in your cupboard. You could opt for a Cajun spice blend from the store instead. A serving has 99 calories, three grams of carbs and five grams of fat. Get the recipe.
A traditional King cake is complicated. It’s a hybrid of a French pastry and a cinnamon roll. This is a simple, tasty, low-carb version of the cake. It is still gorgeous, and it still has a hidden baby inside to represent Jesus. In the pictures, the baker used a LEGO figure. Whatever small object you have works; you just want something to let the finder win and be the “king.” This cake takes an hour from start to finish. It’s beautiful, delicious and a fun game! A serving has 199 calories, three grams of carbs, one gram of fiber and 19 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
If you have never had a beignet, you are missing out! They are a fluffier, lighter and usually smaller version of a doughnut. They are a yeasted dough. That means the recipe has sugar in it. However, you add it to the yeast and set that aside. The yeast eats all the sugar, removing it from the recipe. It’s there to activate the yeast and help the dough rise, and it is essential. This would be our pick if you make one thing from this list. A serving has 60 calories, 4.9 grams of carbs, 1.3 grams of fiber and 4.8 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
Red beans and rice is an iconic Louisianan dish. However, just the words “beans and rice” scream carbs. But we always remind people that beans are loaded with fiber and protein and can be a healthy option for people with blood sugar concerns. And the rice can be swapped out for cauliflower. This version of the classic meal keeps all the original flavors but cuts out the carbs, making it perfect for you and your family to enjoy together! A serving has 426 calories, 18 grams of carbs, six grams of fiber and 32 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
Happy Mardi Gras. We hope everyone enjoys themselves!
