The Joy of Ti Puri
In Mauritius, ti puri — tiny fried breads cracked open and filled with warm spiced split peas, then topped with chutneys, pickles, and condiments — creates something extraordinary from very simple ingredients. It is sold at stalls throughout the island, from markets to outside schools.
The Full Ti Puri Experience
At a street stall, ti puri is assembled with:
- Dholl filling — warm yellow split peas with cumin and turmeric
- Tamarind chutney — sweet, sour, and intensely flavoured
- Mint and coriander chutney — fresh and herbaceous
- Achard — pickled vegetables for crunch
- Mazavaroo — chilli paste for those who like heat
- Onion relish — raw onion with lime juice and chilli
Making Ti Puri at Home (makes ~20)
For the puris:
- 200g plain flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder, water, oil for frying
- Form a firm dough. Rest 20 minutes. Divide into 20 balls. Roll into 6cm circles.
- Deep-fry at 180°C in small batches — they puff within seconds. Drain on kitchen paper.
For the dholl:
- 200g yellow split peas, soaked overnight, simmered until soft, drained and mashed with toasted cumin and turmeric.
To serve: Crack each puri at the top, fill with warm dholl, top with chutneys. Eat immediately.
For more Mauritian street food recipes, visit mauritius-life.com.