The word rougaille (roo-GAHY) refers to Creole spices, like thyme and ginger. The cooks of Mauritius borrow flavors from Indian, Chinese, and French dishes. The best part about this recipe is that you don’t have to cook it! Just mix it in a bowl and pour it over warm cooked rice.
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Its chief island, also called Mauritius, lies about 500 miles east of Madagascar and about 2,450 miles southwest of India.
Mauritius is the only known home of the dodo. The bird was first seen by Europeans in 1600. The dodo became extinct less than eighty years later.
Tomatoes
In Creole cooking, tomatoes are called “pommes d’amour,” a French phrase meaning “apples of love.” Tomatoes rougaille is often used as a chutney, a sauce or relish with sweet and tangy flavors.
What You Need
Equipment:
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon
• Bowl
Ingredients:
• 1 green pepper
• 1 medium onion
• 1½–2 cups tomatoes, fresh or canned
Seasonings:
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dry ginger OR minced fresh ginger root
• ½ teaspoon dried coriander* OR 2 tablespoons freshly minced coriander or parsley
What’s This?
Coriander is an herb used a lot in Indian and Middle Eastern foods. It is also known as cilantro.
• A dash of cayenne or hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)
• ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• Rice (cook following the directions on the package)
Cook’s Tip
Use a sweet onion like red or Vidalia.
Cook’s Tip
Dice 3 fresh tomatoes, or use a 12–16-ounce can of diced tomatoes (including the juice).
What to Do
1. Finely dice green pepper and onion.
2. Dice tomatoes or open the can.
3. Mix all ingredients (except rice) in bowl.
4. Serve tomatoes rougaille cold or room temperature. Pour over bowls of warm rice.
What’s This?
Finely means very small pieces.
Serves 3-4.
Cook’s Tip
As in most recipes, experiment with spices. Use only the ones you like.
