A Recipe For Lent and Beyond
Here in Louisiana, Mardi Gras is over and the Lenten season has begun. This season has a curious effect on our diets where meat is not supposed to be eaten, but seafood can be enjoyed. Lent is a religious tradition observed during the 40 days before Easter and is an important period of the year for many Christians, specifically Catholics. It’s a time to pay respect to Jesus’ sacrifices, suffering, life, and death, through both increased mindfulness, prayer and adherence to certain practices.

Here at Slap Ya Mama, we are always exploring cajun recipe ideas with our wide range of delicious cajun seasonings, and seafood dishes are just as much fun. Here is a new delicious Cajun recipe for you and your family to enjoy during Lent. We are sure that you will love it so much you will eat it even after lent!

Spicy Cajun Seafood Casserole
Of course, after Mardi Gras season we are back to work and busier than ever. Here’s a Cajun favorite that is perfect for the Lenten season and easy for these busy days. This recipe includes shrimp, crawfish, and crab meat and blends perfectly with a spicy, cheesy sauce.

• One onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup each, red and green bell pepper, chopped
• Two stalks celery, sliced thin
• Two tsp.’s garlic, minced
• 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin
• 1/2 stick butter
• One can cream of mushroom soup
• One can cheddar cheese soup
• One soup can half n’ half or milk, plus a little more if needed
• 1/2 lb. each, fresh shrimp, crawfish tails, and crab meat
• One tsp. or more Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
• A few shakes of Slap Ya Mama Pepper Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Melt butter on medium heat, in large, heavy skillet. Saute the first five ingredients in the butter and Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, until soft. (about 10 minutes)  Add seafood, seasoning, parsley, and green onions, and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Add soups, half n’ half, and pepper sauce and mix well. Fold in the rice, mixing gently, but well. Transfer to a greased 13×9 inch baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and cheese Bake at 350 degrees, for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Do you have a special recipe that you love making during Lent? We would love to know! Post your recipe in the comments below.