Shark chutney

Shark Chutney

Shark Chutney is a traditional dish originating from the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a popular delicacy in the region and is made from boiled, skinned shark, finely mashed, and cooked with squeezed bilimbi juice and lime. This mixture is then fried with a variety of ingredients including onions, pepper, salt, and turmeric.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Shark Chutney is, of course, shark. The type of shark used can vary, but it is typically a small, locally caught species. The shark is boiled until it is soft enough to be mashed into a paste.

Bilimbi juice is another key ingredient. Bilimbi, also known as cucumber tree or tree sorrel, is a fruit-bearing tree of the genus Averrhoa, family Oxalidaceae. It is a close relative of the carambola tree.

Lime is used in the chutney for its tangy flavor and acidity, which helps to balance out the strong flavor of the shark.

The chutney is seasoned with onion, pepper, salt, and turmeric. These ingredients are all common in Seychellois cuisine and give the chutney its distinctive taste.

Preparation

The preparation of Shark Chutney involves several steps. First, the shark is boiled until it can be easily mashed. The skin is then removed, and the shark is mashed into a paste.

The paste is then cooked with the bilimbi juice and lime. This mixture is fried along with the onions, pepper, salt, and turmeric. The chutney is typically served cold and can be eaten with bread or rice.

Cultural Significance

Shark Chutney is a significant dish in Seychellois culture. It is often served at special occasions and is a symbol of the country's rich maritime heritage. The dish is also a testament to the Seychellois people's resourcefulness and their ability to make use of the resources available to them.

See Also

• Seychellois cuisine
• Chutney
• Shark fishing in the Seychelles

References

• "Traditional Seychelles Recipes." Seychelles Tourism Board.
• "Shark Chutney." TasteAtlas.
• "Seychelles Food and Drink." World Travel Guide.