10+ Mauritian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Mauritian cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors and cultures. With influences from Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole cooking, it offers a unique culinary experience. Exploring Mauritian recipes allows you to enjoy delicious dishes that reflect the rich history and diversity of this island nation.
From savory curries to sweet treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to prepare a meal for your family or impress guests, these recipes are sure to inspire you in the kitchen. This journey into Mauritian cooking will enhance your culinary skills and bring new tastes to your table.
Dholl Puri
Dholl Puri is a delicious and popular street food from Mauritius. It features a soft flatbread stuffed with spiced yellow split peas, also known as chana dal. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with protein.
You can enjoy Dholl Puri with various toppings and side dishes. It’s often served with a curry made from beans or vegetables. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a filling meal.
Making Dholl Puri is simple and fun. You’ll love the aroma as you cook it on a hot pan until it’s golden brown. It’s a great dish to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas (chana dal)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Cooking Instructions
- Soak the yellow split peas for at least 2 hours, then drain.
- Cook the split peas with turmeric and salt until soft. Mash them with cumin seeds.
- In a bowl, mix flour with water to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them.
- Place a spoonful of the split pea mixture in the center and seal the dough around it.
- Roll out the stuffed dough carefully into a flatbread.
- Cook on a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bol Renversé
Bol Renversé is a popular dish in Mauritius. It combines flavors from Chinese and Creole cuisines. This unique dish features stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and rice, all topped with a fried egg. You often enjoy it served in an inverted bowl.
To make Bol Renversé, you start with marinated chicken. You can use dark soy sauce, garlic, and spices for great flavor. The chicken is cooked until it’s browned and delicious. Then, you stir-fry fresh veggies to add color and nutrition.
Finally, everything gets arranged neatly. You put the soy sauce mixture and the rice in the bowl first. Then, layer the chicken and vegetables on top. When you flip the bowl, it looks beautiful!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until browned.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- In another pan, fry the egg sunny-side up.
- Layer the rice and chicken mixture in a bowl, then top with the fried egg.
- Invert the bowl to serve.
3) Gateau Piment
Gateau Piment is a popular snack from Mauritius, known for its flavorful combination of ingredients. These delightful fritters are made mainly from yellow split peas, adding a nutty taste and a crispy texture.
To prepare them, you soak yellow split peas in water. After they soften, you blend them with spices, onions, and chilies. This mixture is then deep-fried until golden brown and crunchy.
You can enjoy Gateau Piment on its own or in a bread roll with butter. It’s a tasty and satisfying treat that captures the essence of Mauritian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 500g yellow split peas (Dholl)
- 1 medium brown onion (diced)
- 40g spring onion (chopped)
- 40g coriander (chopped)
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 Tbsp dried or fresh chili (optional)
- 3 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
- Soak yellow split peas in water for at least 5 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the split peas.
- Blend the split peas in a food processor until slightly textured.
- Mix in onions, chili, coriander, cumin, and salt.
- Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
- Form small balls with the mixture and fry until golden.
4) Octopus Curry
Octopus Curry, or “cari ourite,” is a beloved dish in Mauritian cuisine. It showcases the island’s cultural blend and flavors. This hearty meal is perfect for special occasions or a delightful family dinner.
To make this dish, you’ll need fresh octopus, which you should clean and wash thoroughly. The spices used in the curry give it a delicious and aromatic taste. Ingredients like turmeric and coconut milk enhance its rich flavor.
You can serve Octopus Curry with rice or flatbread to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s comforting and satisfying, bringing people together around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 kg octopus, cleaned and chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can coconut milk (400ml)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in turmeric and octopus, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and serve with rice or flatbread.
5) Mine Frite
Mine Frite is a popular dish in Mauritius, known for its delightful mix of flavors. This fried noodle dish blends Chinese cuisine with local Creole influences. It’s enjoyed by many and is often served with chicken, eggs, and vegetables.
To make Mine Frite, you start with cooked noodles and add your choice of protein. Chicken is a common option, but you can also use shrimp or tofu. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and oyster sauce, giving it a rich taste.
Garlic chives add a unique twist that enhances the flavor. Finally, you can top it off with sesame oil and a sprinkle of pepper for extra zest.
Ingredients
- 200g cooked noodles
- 200g chicken, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic chives (as needed)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add chicken strips and cook until browned.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Add garlic chives and mix well.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Mine Frite!
6) Camaron
Camaron, or shrimp, is a popular ingredient in Mauritian cooking. It’s known for its sweet and tender flavor, making it a favorite in many dishes.
You can prepare camaron in various ways. One delightful option is to make Cari Camaron. This dish combines fresh shrimp with aromatic spices, creating a rich and flavorful meal.
To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like onions, garlic, and your choice of spices. The vibrant colors and aromas of the spices truly enhance the shrimp’s natural taste.
Cooking camaron is also quick and easy. You can sauté it with vegetables or add it to curries and stews. It pairs perfectly with rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- Fresh camaron (shrimp)
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices (like turmeric, cumin, and chili)
- Oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and spices; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the camaron and cook until pink and opaque.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
7) Rougaille Saucisse
Rougaille Saucisse is a delicious dish from Mauritius. It features sausages cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is popular for its spicy and savory taste. You can serve it with rice or bread to soak up the sauce.
To make Rougaille Saucisse, start by cooking your favorite sausages until they are brown. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until they are soft. Then, add tomatoes and spices for flavor.
Let the sauce simmer so the flavors mix well. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a bit of water or stock.
Ingredients
- 500g sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional spices (like chili powder or herbs)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook sausages in a pan until browned.
- Remove sausages and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add canned tomatoes and spices.
- Return the sausages to the pan.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8) Mauritian Fish Vindaye
Mauritian Fish Vindaye is a flavorful dish that brings together bold spices and fresh fish. This dish is a favorite on the island and showcases the unique culinary heritage of Mauritius.
You can use sturdy fish like tuna or swordfish for this recipe. These types hold up well during cooking and soak in the spices beautifully.
To prepare, start by marinating the fish with turmeric and salt. Then, fry the fish until it is golden brown.
Next, you will create a sauce with mustard seeds, vinegar, and other spices. This sauce adds a tangy and spicy kick to the fish.
Enjoy Fish Vindaye with rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 700 grams firm fish (tuna, swordfish)
- 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate fish with turmeric and salt for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (375°F/190°C).
- Fry fish until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix mustard seeds and vinegar to create a paste.
- Combine sauce with fish and simmer for a few minutes.
9) Cari Poule
Cari Poule is a popular Mauritian chicken curry that is both flavorful and comforting. This dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with a blend of spices.
To start, heat some oil in a pot. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add your chicken pieces and brown them well.
Next, stir in spices like turmeric and cumin for that authentic taste.
Pour in chicken stock and let it cook until the chicken is tender. You can also add potatoes for extra heartiness.
Serve your Cari Poule with rice or bread for a complete meal. It’s great for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken legs (cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 potatoes (cubed)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Spices (turmeric, cumin, etc.)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and brown them.
- Mix in the spices.
- Pour in chicken stock and add potatoes.
- Simmer until chicken is tender.
10) Alouda
Alouda is a delightful and refreshing drink from Mauritius. It combines milk with basil seeds, which give it a unique texture. This drink is perfect for hot days and is enjoyed by many.
To make Alouda, you usually start with fresh milk and add in sweet syrup and agar agar. The addition of these ingredients makes it creamy and sweet.
You can often find Alouda sold by street vendors in markets.
When serving, it is common to use raw sugar and a hint of almond essence for extra flavor. This drink is not just tasty, but it also captures the essence of Mauritian culture.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of fresh milk
- 2 tablespoons of basil seeds (tookmaria seeds)
- Sweet syrup of your choice
- 10 grams of agar agar
- 50 cl of water
Cooking Instructions
- Soak the basil seeds in water until they swell.
- In a separate pot, mix water and agar agar. Then, bring it to a boil.
- Combine the milk, sweet syrup, and the soaked basil seeds in a glass.
- Pour the agar agar mixture into the glass and stir well.
- Enjoy!