We love our karay

Taming the Karay

Before using it, the karay must be "tamed." In other words, the metallic taste needs to be removed. To do this, it is recommended to boil leafy greens, especially taro leaves, with a generous handful of coarse salt for a few hours in the karay. This process ensures that the flavors of the food cooked in it remain unaltered.

A Versatile Utensil

The karay is a staple in every Mauritian household. While it is primarily used for frying, it serves multiple purposes. In fact, for a long time, it was the only cooking utensil available in many Mauritian homes, helping preserve the authentic flavors of our traditional dishes. "I recommend roasting spices in small karay and always using the same one. Over time, it absorbs the aromas, enhancing the taste of masala, for instance," explains Rookoomannee.

A Bit of History

The term "karay," commonly used in Mauritius, originates from the Hindi word "karahi" or "karai", which also refers to a dish—for example, "chicken karahi." The karay comes from India and Pakistan and is even mentioned in ancient Indian texts. It arrived in Mauritius in the mid-19th century with the first Indian immigrants. Back then, it was placed directly over a wood fire. Over time, the karay was embraced by all and became a symbol of our culinary heritage. Today, it remains indispensable in restaurants and street food stalls.

From Small to Large

The karay is a deep, hemispherical cooking utensil with two metal handles, sometimes equipped with a lid. Traditionally made of cast iron, modern versions are also available in copper or stainless steel. After years of use over an open flame, it develops a black layer that acts as a natural non-stick coating. Karay come in various sizes, from small household versions to large ones measuring up to three meters in circumference.

Expressions Inspired by the Karay

The karay has inspired several well-known Mauritian expressions. The most famous is undoubtedly "Dan vie karay ki ena bon lasoss", which means "It’s in an old karay that you get the best sauce," emphasizing the idea that experience enhances quality. Another popular saying is "Sap dan karay tom dan dife", meaning "Escaping from the karay only to fall into the fire"—going from a bad situation to an even worse one. And when we say "karay so", it means trouble is brewing!