8 Cajun Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasting okra chars it and dries it (in a good way) so that it's not the slimy stuff you know from stewed recipes.

This low-carb take on dirty rice replaces rice with cauliflower. But this meaty, spicy recipe doesn't go light on flavor: "My husband didn't notice the rice was cauliflower," reviewer Mary Anne says. "This is a 'cookbook worthy' recipe."

"Mirliton (chayote) squash is the vegetable that is used to make this wonderful dressing. It's very popular here in Louisiana around the holidays," recipe submitter MOUNTMAN says. And never mind that it takes an hour to prep. You'll want to make this shrimp- and ham-stuffed casserole year round. 

Here's a just-as-decadent, less-involved recipe for mirliton. Fill squash halves with a Cheddar and Parmesan stuffing, and kids will happily eat their veggies.

This Southern dish doesn't belong to Cajuns alone, but it's a longtime favorite nonetheless. "The addition of a ham hock and pork shank add richness and a depth of flavor that can't be beaten," recipe submitter Sandra Garth says.

This traditional Cajun side balances vegetables with bacon, bacon drippings, butter, and beef broth. Though it's not exactly a light dish itself, this maque choux pairs well with rich, roux-based dishes.

Believe it or not, you'll find meaty red beans and rice grouped in the "Vegetables" section of Louisiana's most popular community cookbook. Skip the sausage with this vegan version, which sneaks in celery, onion, and bell pepper.

"This is a yummy side dish with rice," according to recipe creator iheartcooking. "Using two types of tomato gives the dish texture and is a tasty explosion of flavors with lots of garlic and crushed red pepper."