What Is Mardi Gras? All about the Fat Tuesday Celebration, Foods to Eat and Its Significance

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a popular celebration among Catholic communities throughout the world.

The French word 'Mardi Gras' translates to 'Fat Tuesday' in English. People usually consume fatty, rich foods before the start of the Lenten fast. Dazzling colors, elaborate costumes, parades, and music accompany the celebrations.

Find out the significance of this day and the foods to enjoy during the celebrations and its cultural significance among Catholics and others alike.

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What Is Mardi Gras?

Fat Tuesday is celebrated by Catholics and others. (Image via Unsplash/Ugur Arpaci)

This festival originates from the ancient Roman celebration of Saturnalia, which was held for the deity Saturn.

This celebration included feasting and gifting. Several festivals spread as Christianity spread throughout Europe. The last day before the start of Lent gradually became known as Mardi Gras. When French adventurer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in Alabama, the first documented celebrations were held.

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Mardi Gras Foods

Here are some popular foods and recipes to enjoy on this fat Tuesday.

Chicken-Andouille Gumbo

Andouille is a southeastern Louisiana spicy pork sausage that can be found in the lower regions of the state. Cajun Gumbo is usually enjoyed by people during the weeks leading up to fat Tuesday. You can also prepare this dish easily at home.

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Mardi Gras King Cake

It's made in a traditional ring shape and doesn't require braiding or filling. It's usually topped with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water glaze. A plastic baby or pecan is hidden inside the cake. Whoever ends up with the baby or pecan usually brings the cake to the next fat Tuesday party.

Recipe

To make one large cake, the following ingredients are required:

• 3/4 cup of milk
• One packet of dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 50 grams of butter, melted and cooled
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Filling and topping

• 50 grams of butter
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1 plastic baby
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• Sanding sugar

Instructions:

• Combine the warm milk, yeast, and one teaspoon of sugar and let proof.
• Whisk together the butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
• In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, flour, nutmeg, and salt.
• In a large saucepan, melt together the butter and cream cheese.
• Preheat oven to 375° F. Once the cake has gone through its second rising, bake for 30-40 minutes till the cake is a nice brown color. Decorate with sanding sugar and other decorations.

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Mini Muffuletta Sandwich

Invented at Central Grocery, New Orleans, the Muffuletta sandwich combines Italian and Creole food into this recipe.

Crawfish Etouffee

Etouffee (pronounced ay-too-fay) is crawfish cooked in a creamy, rich sauce that's popular in southeastern Louisiana.

Jambalaya

This onion, celery, and pepper cooked with herbs, garlic, and spices tastes amazing with cooked rice.

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Mardi Gras Diet

Fat Tuesday is associated with colorful celebrations and tasty food. (Image via Unsplash/Thomas Park)

If you're worried about your diet this fat Tuesday, try modifying the aforementioned recipes with low-carb and low-fat options and enjoy a healthy and guilt-free Mardi Gras.