10+ Mauritian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Mauritian cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors that reflects the island’s diverse cultural heritage. These unique recipes combine influences from Creole, Indian, Chinese, and European cooking. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress guests with something new, Mauritian recipes offer a tasty adventure.

As you explore this rich culinary landscape, you’ll find dishes that are not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare. From savory curries to delightful sweets, there is something for everyone. Get ready to bring a taste of Mauritius into your kitchen!

1) Bol Renversé

Bol Renversé, also known as the Magic Bowl, is a delicious dish that combines different flavors and textures. It is inspired by Chinese and Mauritian cooking styles. The dish features a mix of meat and vegetables served over rice.

You start with a bowl filled with cooked vegetables and a protein, usually chicken or pork. Then, you cover it with rice before flipping it over on a plate. This fun presentation makes it a favorite.

The tasty sauce usually includes soy or oyster sauce, adding depth to each bite. Top it with a fried egg for an extra treat.

Ingredients

• 300 g chicken thigh or breast, sliced
• 400 g bok choy, chopped
• 200 g mushrooms, sliced
• 100 g baby corn, sliced
• 100 g carrots, sliced
• 4 eggs
• Soy sauce
• Cooking oil
• Cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the chicken until cooked.
2. Add the chopped bok choy, mushrooms, baby corn, and carrots. Cook for a few minutes.
3. In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up.
4. Place the stir-fried mixture in a bowl, then top with rice.
5. Flip the bowl onto a plate, add a fried egg on top, and serve.

2) Gateaux Piments

Gateaux Piments are delicious Mauritian chili cakes that you can enjoy as a snack. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These treats are often made with split peas and spices, giving them a unique flavor.

You’ll find them sold by street vendors all over Mauritius. They have a spicy kick from green chilies and are great for sharing with friends. You can serve them with chutney or sauce for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 500 g yellow split peas (dholl)
• 1 brown onion, diced
• 3 sprigs spring onion, chopped
• 4 sprigs coriander, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the yellow split peas for at least 2 hours.
2. Drain and blend the peas until smooth.
3. Mix in the chopped onion, spring onion, coriander, cumin, and chilies.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
5. Shape the mixture into small balls and fry until golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

3) Dholl Puri

Dholl puri is a beloved street food from Mauritius. This tasty flatbread is filled with chana dal, also known as split yellow lentils. It is often enjoyed with curries or chutneys.

Making dholl puri is fun and simple. You’ll start by preparing the filling and then the dough. After that, you will roll out the dough, stuff it, and cook it until golden and soft.

This dish is perfect for a quick meal or snack. It’s warm, flavorful, and sure to please your taste buds!

Ingredients

• 250g dholl gram (split yellow lentils)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup cold water
• Yellow food coloring or turmeric (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil dholl gram with a pinch of salt until soft.
2. Mash the lentils and set aside.
3. Mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl to form dough.
4. Divide the dough into small balls.
5. Roll out each ball, place filling in the center, and wrap it.
6. Cook on a hot griddle until both sides are golden.

4) Chicken Curry with a Mauritian Twist

This Chicken Curry brings you the vibrant flavors of Mauritius. You’ll taste the unique blend of spices that makes this dish so special.

Start with fresh chicken pieces, then season them with garlic, ginger, and cumin for that authentic kick. The addition of tomatoes gives it a delightful richness.

Don’t forget to toss in some potatoes to make it hearty. Slow-cook the curry for the best flavor. Serve it with rice or bread to enjoy every last bit.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add onions and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and cumin. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
5. Toss in tomatoes and potatoes. Stir well.
6. Add salt and enough water to cover.
7. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes.

5) Creole Rougaille

Creole Rougaille is a delicious tomato-based sauce, popular in Mauritius. You can enjoy it with rice, meats, or vegetables. Its rich flavors make it a favorite for many.

To make this dish, you will need fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices like ginger and chili. The sauce is usually simmered until thick and fragrant.

Cooking Rougaille is straightforward and fun. You start by cooking the garlic and ginger, then adding the tomatoes. Let it simmer until it gets thick.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté until soft.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and chilies. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with your choice of dish.

6) Cari Poule

Cari Poule, or Chicken Curry, is a beloved dish in Mauritian cuisine. It is hearty and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

To make Cari Poule, you will use chicken pieces, which become tender during cooking. The dish is often enriched with potatoes, which add a nice texture and absorb the delicious spices.

The main spices include turmeric, ginger, and garlic, giving the curry its vibrant color and aroma. You might also add tomatoes and chilies for extra flavor.

Serve it with fluffy rice or warm rotis to soak up the sauce. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
5. Add potatoes, tomatoes, and chilies. Stir well.
6. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and potatoes.
7. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

7) Mauritian Biryani

Mauritian biryani is a delicious and fragrant dish. It combines rice, chicken, potatoes, and spices, creating a lovely meal for any occasion. This dish is full of flavor and is a favorite in many Mauritian homes.

To make biryani, you’ll start by boiling the rice with spices like cumin and cinnamon. Then, you will cook the chicken separately with herbs and potatoes to add richness. Layer the rice and chicken, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

This dish can be served with a side salad or yogurt for added freshness. Enjoy the comforting taste of Mauritian biryani at your next meal!

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• ½ kg basmati rice
• 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons oil
• Spices: cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the basmati rice with salt, cumin, and cinnamon for a few minutes, then drain.
2. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add chicken, potatoes, and spices; cook until chicken is tender.
4. Layer rice over chicken mixture, cover, and cook on low for 20-25 minutes (180°C / 350°F).
5. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm.

8) Chicken Daube

Chicken Daube is a flavorful dish from Mauritius, influenced by French cuisine. It combines chicken, vegetables, and spices in a rich tomato-based sauce.

This dish often features chicken cooked with onions, garlic, and ginger. The addition of chilies adds a nice kick, making it a comforting meal.

It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. You can serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) vegetables (like peas and potatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until soft.
3. Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and chilies.
5. Add vegetables, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

9) Mauritian Taro Fritters (Arouille Cake)

Mauritian taro fritters, also known as gâteau arouille, are a delicious street food treat. They have a crispy outside and a soft inside, making them a perfect snack.

You will enjoy the sweet and gingery flavor in each bite. These fritters are often enjoyed with friends and family. They are easy to make and great for sharing!

Ingredients

• 1 kg taro, grated
• 150 g white bread (about 4 slices)
• 40 g minced ginger
• 100 g sugar
• 15 g salt
• 30 g corn starch
• Oil for deep frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the taro and toast the bread.
2. Mix the taro, bread, ginger, sugar, salt, and corn starch in a bowl.
3. Form small fritters from the mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the fritters until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain the fritters on paper towels and serve them warm.

10) Sweet-and-Sour Pork the Mauritian Way

Sweet-and-sour pork is a popular dish in Mauritius, blending flavors from various cultures. It combines tender pork with a tangy, sweet sauce that makes it special.

For this dish, start with lean pork cut into cubes. You’ll also need brandy or whisky, egg, and some flours to create a crispy coating.

The sauce is a mix of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce, thickened with cornflour. This gives it that signature taste.

Ingredients

• 1 kg lean pork (cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
• 1 ½ tablespoons brandy or whisky
• 1 egg (whisked)
• 1 tablespoon white flour
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• Sugar
• Vinegar
• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the pork with brandy or whisky for about 30 minutes.

2. Coat the marinated pork with whisked egg, white flour, and corn flour.

3. Fry the coated pork in hot oil until crispy and golden.

4. In a separate pan, mix sugar, vinegar, and soy sauces. Then, heat the mixture until it boils.

5. Thicken the sauce with blended cornflour, then remove from heat.

6. Pour the sauce over the crispy pork before serving.