Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is typically a day filled with indulgences. But if you’re minding your weight or your blood sugar, you might be interested in healthier options. The following Mardi Gras recipes are delicious, hearty, and full of flavor. And better yet, they are good for you—any day of the year. Enjoy!
Print Recipe
New Orleans Gumbo
A Louisiana specialty that can be made with chicken or seafood
Instructions
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.
Add celery, onions, green pepper, and garlic, and cook, stirring often, until tender, yet still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Add chicken broth to soup pot, along with tomatoes and their juice, bay leaf, okra, chicken, and rice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until rice is tender. (If you use shrimp, add it during the final 10 minutes of cooking.)
Remove bay leaf and serve.
Print Recipe
Chicken Jambalaya
A lighter version of a famous New Orleans dish
Instructions
Heat a large, heavy covered skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add chicken to skillet and cook, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add olive oil and onion, celery, pepper, and garlic to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. (Add a couple of tablespoons of water if onions stick or begin to burn.)
Return sausage and chicken to pan and add canned tomatoes, including their juice, chicken broth, rice, and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and serve.
For More Delicious Recipes…
For more healthy and delicious recipes, look for my Reversing Diabetes Cookbook online, in bookstores, or order by calling 800-810-6655.
