The Origins of Dhal Puri: Traces of Indian Culture in Mauritius
Meet Dhal Puri, Mauritius’ Favorite Street Snack – Dhal Puri is a prime example of how migration and cultural history have influenced Mauritian cuisine. The dish has deep roots in Indian Culinary traditions, particularly from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In the 19th century, many Indian indentured labourers were brought to Mauritius to work on sugarcane plantations. With them came a culinary tradition, including a variety of sandwiches such as dhal puri.
In India, dhal puri is typically made thicker and is often a main course. However, in Mauritius, the bread has been adapted into a thinner, more flexible version, making it a convenient street food. The finely ground dhal filling is mixed with spices such as cumin and turmeric, creating a savory and aromatic flavor.
Dhal puri started out as a home-cooked meal, but its popularity has grown over time. Today, dhal puri is a favorite food that can be found on almost every street corner in Mauritius, sold by street vendors known as “roti makers.” The combination of authentic Indian flavors and local adaptations makes dhal puri a symbol of cultural harmony on the island.
The Mouthwatering Process of Making Dhal Puri
Dhal puri, an iconic street food from Mauritius, has a simple process but produces extraordinary taste. It starts with the main ingredient of wheat flour mixed with water, a little salt, and oil to create a soft and elastic dough. After that, the dough is divided into small balls that are then rolled out thinly.
The main filling of dhal puri is dhal nuts (turmeric or kunir nuts), which have been boiled until soft. These nuts are then crushed into a smooth paste and seasoned with cumin, turmeric, garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Sometimes, additional ingredients such as chili or ginger are added to give a sharper spicy taste.
Once the filling is ready, the dhal paste is placed in the middle of a flatbread dough that has been rolled out thinly. The dough is then folded and rolled, creating a pocket of filling inside. The bread is then baked on a flat griddle (tava) with a little oil until both sides are golden and crispy.
This process produces a truly amazing dhal puri, with a soft outer crust and a rich, flavourful dhal filling. Freshly cooked dhal puri, warm and delicious, is often served with curry, pickle or rougaille as an accompaniment. Its savoury flavour and soft texture make it a mouth-watering snack for any occasion.
Dhal Puri and Its Pairings: Curry, Rougaille, and Pickle
Dhal puri, while delicious in itself with its rich filling of dhal and spices, is often served with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavor. One of the most popular pairings is curry, which adds a spicy and savory flavor. Meat, chicken, or vegetable curries are often the choice, with the thick gravy pairing perfectly with the softness of the dhal puri. The spiciness of the curry adds to the deliciousness of the bread, making it even more filling.
Apart from curry, rougaille is also an equally interesting pairing. Rougaille is a Creole tomato sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. It has a fresh, tangy, and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory dhal puri. Rougaille is often paired with meat or fish, adding a richer dimension to the flavor.
Furthermore, pickles are also a constant companion to dhal puri. Pickles, made from pickled vegetables like cucumber, carrots, or chilies, offer a refreshing and slightly sour kick. The pickle provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavours of the dhal puri, making it a more balanced and enjoyable dish to eat.
With the combination of curry, rougaille and pickle, dhal puri is a dish that not only satisfies the hunger but also tempts the taste buds with the variety of flavours it offers.
From Markets to Streets: The Popularity of Dhal Puri in Mauritius
Dhal puri, despite its Indian origins, has become one of the most popular street foods in Mauritius. Over time, this flatbread filled with dhal has made its way into all walks of life, from traditional markets to the streets. Its convenience and delicious taste make it a great choice for a quick meal, whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
In local markets in Mauritius, dhal puri can be found in small stalls run by street vendors. These vendors deftly prepare freshly baked bread, served with a variety of curries, rougailles or pickles. The presence of dhal puri in the markets gives an insight into the strong connection between Mauritian cuisine and culture, which is influenced by a mix of cultures, including Indian, African and French.
Not only in the markets, dhal puri is also an integral part of everyday life for Mauritians. On the streets, you can see vendors with simple carts selling dhal puri on the corners of the city. These street vendors have made dhal puri an easily accessible food, without compromising on quality and taste. In fact, for many, eating dhal puri is an unmissable experience when visiting Mauritius.
With its distinctive deliciousness and affordable price, dhal puri continues to maintain its popularity as one of the island’s favorite street dishes.