I recently tried the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe and while there I got this local recipe. This traditional dish is a staple in the country, and it is made with shark meat, coconut, and various spices.
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The moment I cracked open the jar of chutney, the pungent smell of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric hit my nostrils. My stomach did a little flip when I caught a whiff of all these spices in one place.
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The first bite of the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe pleasantly surprised me with its richness of flavor. The tender shark meat was a perfect complement to the rich coconut broth, and the dish’s savory, spicy kick came from the spices. The chutney’s sweetness balanced and unified the dish’s other flavors beautifully.
Any visitor to the Seychelles who appreciates good eats should seek out the regional specialty and try to go home with a version of the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe. Because of the incredible balance of its various flavors and textures, this dish is truly one of a kind and cannot be missed.
How To Make Our the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
Ingredients (8 Servings)
1 lb. shark meat, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 onions chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoons ginger grated
2 sprigs curry leaves
3 bird’s eye chilies, chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Instructions
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Rinse the shark meat thoroughly and cut it into small cubes.
Finely chop the onions.
Mince the garlic cloves.
Grate the ginger.
Measure the tamarind paste, brown sugar, curry powder, mustard seeds, vinegar, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan.
Sauté until the onions become translucent and lightly browned.
3. Adding the Spices:
Add the grated ginger, curry powder, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and chili powder to the pan.
Stir well to combine and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
4. Cooking the Shark Meat:
Add the shark meat cubes to the pan and mix everything together.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shark meat is lightly browned on all sides.
5. Incorporating the Flavors:
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the tamarind paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and salt to the pan.
Stir well to coat the shark meat evenly with the mixture.
6. Simmering the Chutney:
Add water to the pan, just enough to cover the shark meat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the shark meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent the chutney from drying out.
7. Adjusting the Seasoning:
Once the shark meat is tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the chutney slightly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Final Steps:
Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
Serve the Seychelles Shark Chutney as a condiment alongside rice, roti, or bread.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Wooden spoon
Grater (for ginger)
Garlic press (optional)
Best Way to Store Leftovers From the the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
The Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, the chutney can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chutney in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
To save time, you can chop the onions, garlic, and chilies in advance and store them in separate containers.
Cut the shark meat into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.
Adding a little bit of water at a time prevents the chutney from becoming too watery.
Adjust the spice level of the chutney according to your preference.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe is traditionally served with rice, bread, or roti. It pairs well with other Seychellois dishes such as coconut curry, pumpkin soup, or grilled fish. For dessert, you can serve Seychelles fruit salad, banana fritters, or coconut pudding.
How To Serve the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
To serve Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe, spoon it into a bowl and serve it hot with rice or bread. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro or chopped chilies for extra flavor and spice. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Substitutions For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
1. Vegan Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Replace shark meat with tofu or tempeh.
b. Use vegetable oil instead of animal-based oil.
c. Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar.
d. Omit tamarind paste or use a vegan alternative.
e. Choose a vegan curry powder without any animal-derived ingredients.
f. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
g. Use a plant-based alternative for vinegar.
2. Gluten-Free Options:
a. Ensure the curry powder and other spices used are gluten-free.
b. Verify that the tamarind paste and mustard seeds are gluten-free.
c. Use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
d. Confirm that the vegetable oil used is gluten-free.
e. Substitute a gluten-free sweetener for brown sugar.
f. Check the label of vinegar to ensure it is gluten-free for the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
g. Use gluten-free alternatives for bread or roti when serving.
3. Vegetarian Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Omit shark meat or replace it with plant-based meat substitutes.
b. Use vegetable oil instead of animal-based oil.
c. Replace fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce.
d. Confirm that the curry powder used is vegetarian (without meat-based additives).
e. Substitute a vegetarian-friendly sweetener for brown sugar.
f. Check the label of vinegar to ensure it is vegetarian-friendly.
g. Serve the chutney alongside vegetarian-friendly accompaniments.
4. Mediterranean Diet Options:
a. Include additional vegetables like tomatoes, olives, or capers.
b. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
c. Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for additional Mediterranean flavors.
d. Incorporate lemon juice for a citrusy twist to the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
e. Serve the chutney with whole grain pita bread or couscous.
f. Include some feta cheese or Greek yogurt as a topping (optional).
g. Add a sprinkle of Mediterranean spices like za’atar or sumac.
5. Keto Diet Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
b. Use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil.
c. Include low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower in the chutney.
d. Adjust the amount of onions and garlic to fit within your daily carb limit.
e. Serve the chutney with keto-friendly alternatives like lettuce wraps or cloud bread.
f. Use a keto-friendly vinegar like apple cider vinegar.
g. Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
6. Heart-Healthy Diet Options:
a. Choose lean white fish as a substitute for shark meat.
b. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for its heart-healthy properties.
c. Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like pureed dates or honey.
d. Include garlic and ginger for additional heart-healthy benefits.
e. Serve the chutney with whole grain options like brown rice or quinoa.
f. Use apple cider vinegar for its potential heart health benefits.
g. Add heart-healthy spices like turmeric or cumin to the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
7. Paleo Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Replace shark meat with other seafood like shrimp or scallops.
b. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
c. Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar.
d. Omit tamarind paste or use a paleo-friendly alternative.
e. Choose paleo-friendly curry powder without any additives or preservatives.
f. Use coconut aminos instead of fish sauce.
g. Add coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a paleo-friendly option.
8. Low Carb Options:
a. Replace shark meat with chicken or turkey breast.
b. Use a low-carb oil like avocado oil or ghee for the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
c. Use a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
d. Adjust the amount of onions and garlic to fit within your daily carb limit.
e. Serve the chutney with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
f. Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a low-carb option.
g. Include low-carb spices like paprika or black pepper.
9. Whole30 Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Choose compliant seafood like shrimp or white fish as a substitute for shark meat.
b. Use cooking fat like ghee or coconut oil.
c. Omit sweeteners altogether or use a Whole30-approved sweetener like date paste.
d. Include compliant curry powder without any non-compliant additives.
e. Substitute coconut aminos for fish sauce.
f. Check the label of vinegar to ensure it is Whole30-compliant.
g. Serve the chutney with Whole30-friendly accompaniments like roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
10. Weight Watchers Options:
a. Use lean white fish as a substitute for shark meat.
b. Choose cooking spray or a minimal amount of oil for the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
c. Adjust the amount of sweetener or use a low-point sweetener option.
d. Include plenty of zero-point vegetables like onions, garlic, and ginger.
e. Serve the chutney with zero-point options like cauliflower rice or salad.
f. Use a low-point vinegar like apple cider vinegar.
g. Add flavor with zero-point herbs and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
11. Low Fat Options: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Replace shark meat with skinless chicken breast or turkey breast.
b. Use cooking spray or a minimal amount of oil.
c. Omit or reduce the amount of sweetener used in the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe..
d. Include plenty of low-fat vegetables like onions, garlic, and ginger.
e. Serve the chutney with low-fat options like steamed vegetables or whole grain bread.
f. Use a low-fat vinegar like white vinegar.
g. Add flavor with herbs and spices instead of excessive oil or fat.
12. Vegetable Variations: For the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
a. Omit shark meat entirely and focus on creating a vegetable-based chutney.
b. Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms.
c. Adjust the spices and seasonings to complement the vegetable flavors.
d. Consider roasting or grilling the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
e. Use vegetable broth or vegetable stock for simmering with the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe.
f. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness.
g. Serve the vegetable chutney as a standalone dish or as a side with other vegetable-based dishes.
FAQ About the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
Is shark meat necessary for the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe?
Yes, shark meat is the traditional protein used in a Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe. However, you can substitute it with other types of fish or vegetarian proteins.
Is the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe spicy?
Yes, a Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe is typically spicy due to the use of chilies and other spices. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
What can I serve with the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe recipe?
The Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe is traditionally served with rice, bread, or roti. It pairs well with other Seychellois dishes such as coconut curry, pumpkin soup, or grilled fish.
Is the Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe healthy?
Shark meat is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and D, all of which are essential for maintaining good health. The spices and herbs used in the chutney also have health benefits, such as boosting digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving immunity. However, the dish can be high in sodium due to the use of salt and tamarind paste. It is recommended to consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe is a flavorful and unique dish that is deeply rooted in the Seychellois culture. While it may seem intimidating to cook with shark meat, the recipe is simple and can be easily adjusted to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
1. Seychelles Shark Chutney Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- wooden spoon
- grater for ginger
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shark meat cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 onions chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger grated
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
- 3 chilies chopped bird's eye
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Rinse the shark meat thoroughly and cut it into small cubes.
- Finely chop the onions.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Grate the ginger.
- Measure the tamarind paste, brown sugar, curry powder, mustard seeds, vinegar, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan.
- Sauté until the onions become translucent and lightly browned.
Adding the Spices:
- Add the grated ginger, curry powder, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and chili powder to the pan.
- Stir well to combine and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
Cooking the Shark Meat:
- Add the shark meat cubes to the pan and mix everything together.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shark meat is lightly browned on all sides.
Incorporating the Flavors:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the tamarind paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and salt to the pan.
- Stir well to coat the shark meat evenly with the mixture.
Simmering the Chutney:
- Add water to the pan, just enough to cover the shark meat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the shark meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent the chutney from drying out.
Adjusting the Seasoning:
- Once the shark meat is tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the chutney slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Final Steps:
- Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
- Serve the Seychelles Shark Chutney as a condiment alongside rice, roti, or bread.
