Sept Cari: Unleashing the Flavours of Mauritius
Sept cari — seven curries — is the iconic Mauritian Hindu vegetarian feast traditionally served on banana leaves at religious ceremonies and festivals, showcasing the extraordinary depth of Mauritian vegetarian cooking.
What Is Sept Cari?
Sept cari translates as "seven curries" and refers to a traditional Mauritian Hindu vegetarian meal served at religious ceremonies, weddings, and festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Divali. Served on fresh banana leaves with rice, the meal consists of seven distinct vegetable curries.
The Seven Components
A classic sept cari typically includes:
- Dholl — yellow split pea curry, creamy and gently spiced
- Brèdes — leafy green vegetable curry, often made with watercress or moringa leaves
- Bringelle — aubergine curry with mustard seeds and turmeric
- Giraumon — pumpkin curry, sweet and aromatic
- Haricots — dried white bean curry in a tomato masala
- Chou chou — chayote squash curry, light and fragrant
- Achard — pickled vegetables providing sharpness and contrast
These are accompanied by rice, roti or farata, and various chutneys.
The Significance of Banana Leaf Service
Eating from banana leaves is not merely traditional — the waxy surface keeps food separate, the leaf imparts a subtle flavour, and the whole thing is biodegradable. It connects the meal to Mauritius's Hindu spiritual tradition.
Making a Simplified Sept Cari at Home
Start with three or four curries and build up. The principles are the same: heat oil with whole spices, add onion, garlic, ginger, then ground spices, then the main vegetable. Cook until tender with minimal water for a dry, concentrated result.
Explore more of Mauritius's rich food culture at mauritius-life.com.
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