I recently had the pleasure of cooking a traditional meal from the French Reunion Island for some people who have never visited the island. Saffron, thyme, tomato, potato, white rice, garlic, onion, and bacon prepared in the traditional way made a lovely meal and cultural experience for them. It was delicious! I used the recipe I remember from living there. The bacon had to be purchased at the butcher as it was un-sliced, as not just any bacon will do. I was able to use some of the garlic and onions from a community-supported agriculture (CSA) summer produce program, as well. Here is the recipe as a printable: Reunion-Island-meal-recipe
Cari boucane
Ingredients: 1 and half to 2 lbs of un-sliced smoked bacon 3 medium onions finely chopped 2 large tomatoes (or 3 medium) finely chopped 1 whole head of garlic (crushed) Thyme black pepper and salt to taste 1 TSBP saffron 3 medium potatoes chopped 1 TBSP Oil Boil the bacon once or twice to desalt. Set aside the chopped tomatoes and saffron combined.
On a cutting board, cut the bacon in bite-size pieces.
In a large pan, heat the oil and fry the bacon stir and cook until well cooked (medium-high heat). If necessary, drain the bacon and remove excess oil. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until melted and starts to caramelize.
Add crushed garlic thyme, black pepper and salt and cook for about 5 minutes or so. Then add the tomato and saffron mixture and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes until tomatoes are melted. Add potatoes and add about 1 cup of water.
Cook on low for about 20 to 30 min.
Serve over rice!
Here is the final result on a traditional cloth tablecloth and napkins, from the island. I hope you think this is a beautiful and delicious recipe, as I do!
*NOTES: 1. Since saffron is expensive, it is good to know that Curcuma spice is a great less expensive substitute! 2. This recipe can also be made with eggplant instead of potatoes, which is even more delicious in the opinion of the cook. 3. The eggplant needs to be chopped in small little cubes. And, cooking time is the same as with potatoes.
Thank you for reading! Morgan
Thank you for reading,
Thank you so much for reading my post, Crystal! I linked to your cultural exchange blog hop. Thanks so much! Carolyn
That looks so delicious!! And it uses kitchen staples as well, which makes it very accessible, I’m going to print off your recipe and put it in our family recipe binder so we can make it very soon.
The tablecloth is so bright and beautiful, and compliments the meal perfectly.
I love that you’ve included activities for tots to do while the parents prepare the meal! You’ve thought of everything!