Gato Arwi, also known as Gato Aroui(lle), is a popular Mauritian street food made from fried taro root. This dish is crispy and delicious, making it a great option for a snack or an appetiser. In this blog post, we will provide you with a recipe for this Gato Delwil, along with some tips on how to prepare and serve this dish.
INGREDIENTS
6
RECIPE STEPS
5
TOTAL TIME
30 m
Why You Need This Recipe
- Mauritian Classic: This recipe is a must-try for fans of Mauritian cuisine. Our 30 minute recipe will allow you to recreate the dish at home.
- Quick Snack: If you are looking for a new and exciting snack to serve at your next gathering, Gato Arwi is a great option. This dish is crispy, delicious, and easy to prepare.
- Vegan: If you are looking for a vegan snack option, Gato Arwi is perfect. This dish is made with only plant-based ingredients and is a great option for those who follow a vegan diet.
About Gato Arwi
Gato Arwi is a snack that is commonly found in Mauritius. This dish is made by mixing grated taro root with sugar, salt, grated ginger and cornflour. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crispy and golden.
Around the island, you will find hawkers (marsans) selling steaming hot bags of Gato Arwi. And it is also a staple for afternoon tea at family gatherings and celebrations.
Star Ingredient
Taro Root (Arwi)
Taro Root is the main ingredient in this dish. It is a starchy, versatile root vegetable that is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
READ MORE: Learn about the many different ways you can cook taro root →
Other Ingredients
- Grated Ginger: Ginger adds a delicious flavour to the dish.
- Cornflour: Cornflour is used to bind the ingredients together and give the dish a crispy texture.
Scroll to the bottom to find the full list of ingredients and detailed recipe.
Prepping Tips
- When grating the taro root, be sure to use the small holes on your grater. This will give the mixture a smoother texture.
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the grated taro root before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the mixture bind together better.
Complete Recipe Steps
Here’s a summary of the steps you need to follow to make Gato Arwi.
1
Peel and wash taro root, then grate the taro root using the small holes on your box grater.
2
Squeeze the water from the taro and then place all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card
3
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan or wok for frying. You can drop a small amount of the taro mixture into the saucepan to test the oil. Little bubbles should form around the mixture and the mixture should brown lightly.
4
5
How to Serve Gato Arwi
Gato Arwi is best served hot and crispy. You can serve this dish with a hot chilli sauce for dipping.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour instead of cornflour?
Yes, you can use plain flour (also known as all-purpose flour) instead of cornflour. However, the texture of the dish may be slightly different.
Can I make Gato Arwi in advance?
Yes, you can make these delicious taro cakes in advance and reheat it in the oven or a frying pan before serving.
Printable Recipe Card
Gato Arwi is a delicious Mauritian snack that is crispy, savoury, and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for those who love plant-based snacks and those who are looking for new and exciting snack options.
With the help of our recipe, you can make Gato Arwi at home and enjoy this tasty snack anytime.
Gato Arwi (Mauritian Deep-Fried Taro Cakes)
Equipment
- box grater
Ingredients
- 400 g taro root
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ginger grated
- 5 tbsp cornflour
- rice bran oil or other neutral-flavoured cooking oil
Complete Recipe Steps
- Peel and wash taro root, then grate the taro root using the small holes on your box grater.400 g taro root
- Squeeze the water from the taro and then place all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp ginger, 5 tbsp cornflour
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan or wok for frying. You can drop a small amount of the taro mixture into the saucepan to test the oil. Little bubbles should form around the mixture and the mixture should brown lightly.rice bran oil
- Scoop a golf ball sized amount of mixture into your hands and shape it into a ball. Drop it into the hot oil and deep-fry. The Gato Arwi will be ready when they are crispy and golden.
- Remove from the oil and place the Gato Arwi on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
Notes
- It is important to squeeze out excess water from the grated taro root before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the mixture bind together better and result in a crispier texture.
- When shaping the mixture into balls, make sure they are not too big as this can cause uneven cooking.
- Be careful when frying the Gato Arwi, as the hot oil can splatter. It is recommended to use a frying screen or cover the pan with a lid while frying.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar and ginger to your liking, depending on how sweet or spicy you want the Gato Arwi to be.
Mo gajak prefere sa! Merci pou sa recette la!
Hello TiPanda
Re: Mauritian deep-fried taro cakes.
You have written under the heading ingredients:- two tablespoons salt and one teaspoon salt. At my end I am a bit confused. Is it two tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of sugar that you wrote for the recipe or the two tablespoons and teaspoon are for the salt quantity only.
Awaiting for your reply and thanking you
Hi Myriam, thank you for reading our recipe and leaving a comment. Please accept our apologies for the typo in the ingredients list. It is indeed 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt that you will need.