National Dish Mauritius: Cari de Lapin (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Cari de Lapin, the national dish of Mauritius — a fragrant rabbit curry that captures the island’s sunshine in a single pot. Tender pieces of rabbit simmer with warming spices, fresh vegetables and a whisper of green chilli, bringing an exotic taste of the Indian Ocean straight to your own kitchen. It is a dish that turns any weeknight dinner into a small tropical escape.
About Cari de Lapin
Cari de Lapin is the national dish of Mauritius and a true celebration of flavour. This exquisite take on a rabbit curry wins people over with its perfect combination of well-spiced meat and fresh vegetables. Shaped by the island’s multicultural kitchen, it reflects a unique blend of Indian, French and African influences. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a dish that delights the palate and makes any dinner table shine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g rabbit meat, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cm piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1–2 green chillies, to taste
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 500 ml water or vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Cari de Lapin you will need fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market or an Asian grocery to track down the best rabbit meat. Check that the vegetables are fresh and, where possible, choose spices from organic sources. For the best results, use the ingredients as fresh as you can — it makes a real difference to the flavour of the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Proper preparation is the key to a flavoursome Cari de Lapin. Begin by marinating the rabbit meat with salt, pepper and a tablespoon of curry powder, which lets the flavours work their way deep into the meat. While the rabbit marinates, prepare the vegetables so that everything is ready to go when it is time to cook.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and fry until golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger and green chillies and fry briefly.
- Add the marinated rabbit and brown the pieces on all sides.
- Tip in the diced tomatoes and carrots and mix everything well.
- Add the remaining curry powder and stir it through.
- Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring the curry to the boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the meat is tender.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for a further 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Cari de Lapin is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an excellent choice for many dietary needs. Do make sure, however, that all the ingredients you use — especially spice blends and stocks — are genuinely free of gluten and lactose, as packaged products can contain traces; always check the labels. For the side dish you can also look for gluten-free alternatives, such as coconut rice.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although Cari de Lapin is traditionally made with rabbit, there are some great ways to adapt the dish for vegans and vegetarians. In place of the rabbit you can use tofu or seitan, both of which soak up the spices and aromas beautifully. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, aubergines and courgettes also make excellent alternatives. Cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on how your chosen protein is doing as it simmers.
More tips and tricks
For the best Cari de Lapin, feel free to experiment with the spices and adjust their intensity. Some like it hotter, others prefer a milder version — easily managed by tweaking the chilli. Adding fresh herbs such as mint or parsley brings an extra layer of flavour, too. Slow cooking allows the aromas to deepen, so always allow yourself enough time to let the curry develop properly.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Cari de Lapin is a wonderfully adaptable dish that is easy to tailor to personal preference. Fancy a creamier sauce? Stir in a little coconut milk! If you like it more aromatic, try grated citrus zest such as lime or lemon. Being able to swap the vegetables as you wish means you can use seasonal produce, keeping the dish fresh and interesting every time you make it.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient for Cari de Lapin to hand, that is no problem at all. Instead of rabbit you can use chicken or lamb, while soya or pea protein make good plant-based alternatives. Water can stand in for stock, though it will soften the overall depth of flavour. Be creative with the vegetables to bring plenty of variety to your curry.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair beautifully with a delicious Cari de Lapin. A fruity white wine complements the dish’s aromas wonderfully, while a cold beer harmonises particularly well with the spicy notes. For an alcohol-free option, a home-made hibiscus tea makes a refreshing companion that rounds off the meal perfectly. Experiment with different drinks to find the most harmonious match for your palate.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can turn Cari de Lapin into a real showstopper. Serve the curry in a beautiful bowl and garnish it with fresh coriander leaves. Fragrant rice or fluffy Farata flatbreads can be arranged on a large platter to create a harmonious picture. Pay attention to the lighting too — attractive table styling adds to the atmosphere and the enjoyment of the meal.
A bit of history
Cari de Lapin has a fascinating history rooted deep in the culture of Mauritius. The island’s dishes reflect a blend of French, Indian and African traditions, and this curry is a perfect example of that mix within Mauritian cuisine. Rabbit is a popular ingredient on the island and features regularly in local home cooking. The tradition of curry-making traces back to Indian kitchens and stands as a marker of the region’s remarkable culinary diversity.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cari de Lapin
In summary, Cari de Lapin is a remarkable dish that offers a glimpse into the wonderfully diverse food culture of Mauritius. With the right mix of ingredients and spices you can conjure up an aroma that makes you feel as though you are dining far from home in a tropical paradise. Whether you prepare it traditionally or adapt it to your taste, the flavours and the cooking process are sure to create unforgettable moments. Let the island’s culinary variety inspire you and make this dish a permanent part of your cooking repertoire.
