Shecky’s

Merry Mardi Gras! It’s no secret that celebrating Fat Tuesday involves indulgent eating, but if you’re not into throwing an all-out Southern-inspired soiree, what Carnival-accented dishes can you make for dinner, or better yet, lunch? Celebrate simply but scrumptiously with these five fast Mardi Gras recipes!

-Cait Rohan

In case you’re not already schooled in Cajun food, beignets are deep-fried donuts that can be served either as desserts or apps. I love how Taste of Home’s Crawfish Beignets with Cajun Dipping Sauce coat NOLA fave crawfish with a batter of cayenne, pepper, onions, salt and more. A dip accompaniment of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish and hot pepper sauce adds even more of an Orleans-appropriate kick. Plus, it’s all ready in 25 minutes!

Photo credit: Taste of Home