7 Savory Grain Dishes with Gusto

If there’s one thing Louisiana knows, it’s big flavor. From savory jambalaya and good-to-the-last-bite gumbo, to briny oysters and crawfish etouffee, the customary cuisine of the Bayou State is anything but dull. Whether you prefer down home, Cajun country food and make your jambalaya without tomatoes, or you have an affinity for the Creole cuisine of the Big Easy, there’s one constant among the tried and true recipes of Louisianans: rich, layered seasoning. Alas, these flavorful favorites aren’t always the best for you. For those looking to keep their meals light and bright without venturing into the realm of the bland, we’ve compiled a generous list of flavorful takes on traditional dishes you and your family know and love.

A variation on a New Orleans staple, this vegetarian jambalaya dish not only maximizes fresh veggies, but can by made using Zatarain’s Reduced Sodium Jambalaya Mix. Stick to the recipe or incorporate whatever veggies you have on hand for a lighter take on this legendary dish.

Served in a bowl, wrapped in lettuce or used as a taco filling, this gluten-free remix of a Louisiana favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Originally prepared with giblets, this recipe calls for pork sausage instead, along with yellow and red bell peppers and Zatarain’s Original Dirty Rice Mix. Zatarain’s uses parboiled rice and bold flavors, so you can save time without compromising taste. Your krewe will love it!

You can’t go wrong with a gorgeous meal that only takes 30 minutes to prepare — especially when it tastes this good! Slices of cooked chicken, shredded cheese, savory salsa, sweet corn and fresh cilantro take Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice to the next level. Want to get even more creative? Use taco meat, guacamole, tomatoes and sour cream as alternate toppings for a tasty twist.

Take a trip to the Caribbean with this sweet-and-savory chicken-and-rice feast. Parboiled long-grain rice make up the base of Zatarain’s Caribbean Rice Mix, a zesty and filling starting point for a fantastic meal. Add boneless, skinless chicken and tropical mango, pineapple and banana, along with fresh cilantro, for a dish that’s sure to become part of your regular entourage.

Revive your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty, mouth-watering shrimp dish. Simple to prepare, but never dull, Zatarain’s Cilantro Lime Rice Mix will add undeniable depth to your next dinner.

You only need 10 ingredients to make this sweet-and-savory take on dirty rice. Dulac dirty rice gets its sweetness from raisins and bell peppers, saltiness from bacon bits and a satisfying crunch from pecans. Using Zatarain’s Dirty Rice Mix to build this recipe will simplify this mouth-watering meal, perfect for a family dinner or lunchable leftovers.

If you want to please a crowd, but still satisfy your gluten-free compadres, try this classic jambalaya recipe packed with flavorful shrimp, Andouille sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes and Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix. Quick and easy, spicy yet satisfying, there’s a reason this dish remains a Southern fan favorite.