Entree: Mauritius – National Cuisine – Cari Zourit (Mauritian curried octopus in a spiced coconut-tamarind sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 1 medium octopus, approx. 2 lb (900 g), cleaned and roughly chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) curry powder (Mauritian or Indian-style)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (5 ml) mustard seeds
- 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or fish/chicken stock
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tamarind paste diluted in 2 tbsp (30 ml) warm water (or 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar or to taste
- 1–2 green chiles, sliced (optional, adjust for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Steamed rice or flatbread for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to pop, add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric and cook briefly to bloom the spices, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and the oil begins to separate, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the octopus pieces, coconut milk, water or stock, tamarind mixture, brown sugar, and sliced chiles if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer gently until the octopus is tender, about 45–60 minutes depending on size. Stir occasionally and add a little extra water if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
5. Remove the lid for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to concentrate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or bread.