National Dish Mauritius: Cari Crevettes (Recipe)
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Discover Cari Crevettes, the pride of Mauritius! This wonderful curry brings together plump, fresh prawns, a heady mix of aromatic spices and a silky coconut sauce that tastes of sunshine and sea breeze. Spoon it over fragrant steamed rice and let the tropical flavours of the Indian Ocean carry you straight to the island — no plane ticket required.
About Cari Crevettes
Cari Crevettes is a traditional Mauritian dish, famous not only for its delicious flavours but also for its fascinating history. The combination of fresh prawns, a selection of aromatic spices and a rich coconut sauce creates a taste experience that captures the very essence of the tropical island. The dish holds a special place in Mauritian culture and often appears on the table at festive occasions. Let yourself be seduced by the vibrant, unmistakable flavours of this local speciality!
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g fresh prawns
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tin coconut milk (400 ml)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
- Steamed rice, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
Shopping for cari crevettes deserves a little care, so you get the best possible freshness and quality. A local market is the ideal place to find fresh prawns and aromatic spices. Make sure the prawns have a lovely rosy colour and can be cooked without delay. Your spices should be as fresh as possible and free of preservatives to keep the authentic flavour intact.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking cari crevettes, it is important to prepare all the ingredients. That means dicing the onion, garlic and tomatoes carefully. The prawns should be well cleaned and peeled to ensure they cook evenly. It also helps to have all the spices measured out in advance so the cooking process runs smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over a medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and fry until golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and fry for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder and cumin and stir well.
- Add the prawns and fry briefly until they just turn pink.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring everything to the boil.
- Season with salt and pepper and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
- Scatter over the coriander and serve with steamed rice.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Cari crevettes is naturally gluten-free, and it is just as easy to keep it lactose-free, since coconut milk contains no lactose at all. Do check that all the spices you use are gluten-free as well. Read the ingredient labels carefully to make sure no unwanted additives have crept in. That way you can enjoy this delicious dish without any worries about intolerances.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian take on cari crevettes, swap the prawns for tofu or aubergine. Both soak up the flavours of the spices beautifully and give the dish a lovely texture. As a bonus, tofu and aubergine are rich in nutrients and serve as a good source of protein. Keep the coconut milk in the recipe so the curry stays creamy and full of flavour.
More tips and tricks
To intensify the aroma of cari crevettes, briefly toast the spices before adding the other ingredients. This technique gives the dish a deeper layer of flavour and lets the aromas shine. Fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley make a wonderful garnish too — they look appealing and add an extra hit of freshness. Serve the dish piping hot so the flavours come through at their very best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of cari crevettes is how easily you can tailor it to your own preferences. Like it hotter? Simply add fresh chilli or a few drops of chilli sauce. Is the coconut flavour too intense for you? Reduce the amount of coconut milk and top up with vegetable stock instead. This kind of flexibility runs right through Mauritian cooking and turns every session at the stove into a chance to get creative!
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are hard to come by, there are plenty of alternatives you can turn to. Instead of prawns, fish fillets such as cod or tilapia deliver a similar texture and flavour — much like a classic Cari De Poisson. You can also swap the rice for quinoa, which makes the dish even healthier while adding a different texture. With a little spirit of experimentation you can create your very own version of cari crevettes.
Drink pairing ideas
Several drinks pair elegantly with cari crevettes. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé harmonises beautifully with the seafood and the spices. If you prefer something alcohol-free, a fruity iced tea or a homemade lime spritzer is wonderfully refreshing and a perfect match. These drinks balance the flavours and round off the meal in style.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part in the visual impact of cari crevettes. Serve the curry in a beautiful bowl that does justice to the tropical flair of the island. Garnish the dish with fresh coriander and lime wedges for extra colour and freshness. The steamed rice can be served in a separate bowl too, creating an attractive arrangement that shows the whole dish off at its best.
A bit of history
Cari crevettes has its roots in Mauritian culture, which has been shaped by a rich blend of Indian, African and French influences. The dish reflects the diverse flavours and ingredients found across the island, from fragrant curries like Cari Poulet to countless seafood specialities. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations, making it a symbol of togetherness and festivity — and a fine ambassador for Mauritian cuisine as a whole.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cari Crevettes
Cari crevettes is an essential part of Mauritian cooking, capturing the essence of Mauritius with its aromatic ingredients and exquisite preparation. With fresh prawns, a delicious coconut sauce and a wealth of fragrant spices, this dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but a cultural discovery of the tropical island. Whether you prepare it traditionally or with your own twists, it creates unforgettable moments at the dinner table. Give it a try and let the warmth and flavours of Mauritian hospitality work their magic!
