Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras in French, is a Christian and cultural even which is a celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent. While everybody would seem to want to head over to New Orleans for the parties, parades, and all the food, you can bring the festivities inside your home or the backyard and celebrate your own Fat Tuesday. Invite a few friends over, wear fun and colorful masks, turn the party music on, and whip your own Cajun or Creole inspired food for your family and friends.
Here’s a sample of a simple and healthy Jambalaya Recipe that you can prepare on Fat Tuesday.
Ingredients:
8 oz. smoked chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch coins
8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 lb. shrimp, peeled
1 1/2 cups of brown rice
1 Tbsp canola oil or olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1 clove minced garlic
1 Tbsp fresh thyme
How to Cook:
1. On a pan, cook the chicken sausage and chicken thighs in medium to high heat. Cook until browned and then set aside.
2. Cook the celery, garlic, green pepper, and garlic on canola or olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and thyme, cook for 3 more minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper.
3. Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken broth is absorbed. Finally, add and cook the shrimps for 3 to 5 minutes until bright pink.
Health Benefits of Jambalaya Recipe
Skinless Chicken: An excellent source of lean and high-quality protein. White meat, skinless chicken also lowers the cholesterol and enhances immunity. It is also beneficial in controlling blood pressure because of the high levels of potassium.
Shrimps: Shrimps are rich in the Vitamin B12 nutrient which helps in the red cells production and thus may prevent anemia. It iron content aids in boosting energy and vitality. Shrimps are also a good source of magnesium which can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Brown Rice: White rice has more carbohydrates and calories content so it is best to use brown rice for Jambalaya. Brown rice is a great source of manganese which is essential for proper enzyme functioning and nutrient absorption. It is also helpful in antioxidant activities of the body and energy production.
Canola or Olive Oil: Both are known as healthy oils in the market. While Canola Oil is good for the heart, Olive Oil contains more nutrients. Olive oil has antioxidants, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids which are for cardiovascular health, the immune system, protection against many types of cancer.
Black and Red Pepper: Both peppers, though of different families, helps improve food digestion.
Celery and Green Bell Pepper: Celery leaves have high content of Vitamin A while the celery stalks are excellent sources of Vitamins, B1, B2, and B6. Celery assists in lowering blood pressure and total and bad cholesterol. Green Bell Pepper, on the other hand, contains a high amount of phytochemicals for excellent antioxidant activity. It is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, beta carotene, and folic acid.
Tomatoes: Rich in Lycopene which is a vital antioxidant that fights cancerous cells or Cancer, heart diseases, and high cholesterol.
Garlic and Thyme: Both helps in improving the digestive and immunes systems. They are also good for the heart and for preventing heart diseases.
Fat Tuesday is a celebration with all the party, music and food. But you don’t have to feel guilty of all the fats and calories you can get if you stick to a healthy Jambalaya Recipe such as this. No more worrying that the “Fat” on Fat Tuesday will stick on you even after the festivities and the whole year!
