Mauritian Achard Recipe
Mauritian achard (Zasar morisien in creole) is a pickled vegetable dish that perfectly embodies the multiculturalism of the island. The word "achard" is derived from the Hindi term "achaar," meaning pickle, reflecting the Indian influence on the dish. However, Mauritian achard is a delightful fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Creole flavors, resulting in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet culinary creation. I’ll be sharing my mom’s recipe. She even took the photos!
The Ingredients:
The core ingredients of Mauritian achard include a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, beans, and onions. These vegetables are typically julienned or finely sliced to ensure an even and crunchy texture. Additionally, ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, and chili peppers are combined to create a fragrant spice blend that infuses the dish with its distinctive taste.
The Preparation:
To prepare Mauritian achard, the vegetables are first blanched or lightly cooked to maintain their crunchiness. The spices and condiments are then combined with vinegar, sugar, and salt to form a flavorful brine. The cooked vegetables are added to the brine and gently mixed to ensure every slice is coated in the tangy mixture. The achard is left to marinate for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.
A Versatile Delicacy:
Mauritian achard is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It serves as a delightful accompaniment to the main course, adding a refreshing and tangy element to any meal. Additionally, it can be used as a topping or filling in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers, providing a burst of flavor to each bite. Some adventurous food enthusiasts even incorporate Mauritian achard into their homemade sushi rolls, creating a fusion of cuisines that surprises the taste buds.
A Cultural Icon:
Mauritian achard is not only a culinary delight but also a cultural icon. It is commonly served during religious and festive celebrations, adding a touch of tradition to the festivities. The process of preparing achard is often a communal activity, with family members and friends coming together to slice, mix, and pickle the vegetables. This reinforces the importance of food as a unifying element in Mauritian culture.
Mauritian achard is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the island. Its fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Creole flavors creates a taste that is uniquely Mauritian. Whetradise.her enjoyed as a side dish, condiment, or creative ingredient in other dishes, Mauritian achard never fails to captivate the senses. So, if you ever find yourself in Mauritius, make sure to indulge in this tangy delight and experience the flavors that define this tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
1/2 medium cabbage finely sliced
2 carrots cut in julienne
A handful of green beans sliced lengthwise
Optional - cauliflower, red, green or yellow peppers if handy
2 large onions finely sliced
2 tbsps. ground mustard seeds
2 tbsps. turmeric powder
2 tsps. crushed garlic
Optional - sliced green or red hot peppers
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Heat oil
Fry onions
Add salt, garlic, turmeric, ground mustard & hot peppers
Turn off heat
Add vegetables until well coated
Enjoy in bread rolls or any other creative ways :)
I love to eat them with noodles and bring them with me to picnics!
