Mauritian Tocană with a Twist

Ingredients

In this Mauritian adaptation of Tocană, we incorporate Mauritian spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander to enhance the flavor profile. We also introduce local Mauritian vegetables like chayote, taro root, and pumpkin to add a unique twist to the dish. These modifications infuse the traditional Moldovan Tocană with the vibrant flavors of Mauritian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tocană, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 chayote, peeled and cubed 1 chayote, peeled and cubed
• 1 taro root, peeled and cubed 1 taro root, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup pumpkin, cubed 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the cubed beef or lamb to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the turmeric, cumin, and coriander over the meat, and stir well to coat.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chayote, taro root, and pumpkin to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Mauritian Tocană hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or roti.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chayote — Make sure to peel the chayote before cubing it. It adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Taro root — Peel the taro root carefully, as it can be slightly slippery. It provides a unique earthy flavor and creamy texture.
• Pumpkin — Choose a firm and sweet pumpkin variety, such as butternut squash, for the best results. Remove the seeds and cube the flesh.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a chopped chili pepper.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as stewing beef or lamb shoulder, for varying textures and flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.
• Serve the Mauritian Tocană with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Mauritian Tocană hot, accompanied by steamed rice or warm roti. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Present the Mauritian Tocană in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the meat and vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an appealing finishing touch.