MILLIONAIRE’S SALAD FROM SEYCHELLES (DECKENIA NOBILIS)

The Seychelles: An Archipelago of Culinary Diversity

The Seychelles, an archipelago of nearly 115 islands located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is a true paradise on earth. Known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, the Seychelles is also a melting pot of different cultures that have shaped the island’s rich history and cuisine.

Pirates once roamed these waters, seeking refuge on the Seychelles islands before it fell under French and then British control. The Seychelles finally gained its independence in 1976, and with it, a strong sense of national identity and pride.

The Legend of the Millionaire’s Salad

One dish that stands out in Seychellois cuisine is the “Salade du millionaire” or “millionaire’s salad.” The name itself sparks curiosity and intrigue, and for good reason. Legend has it that in order to make this salad, you must cut down an entire palm tree (the famous Deckenia Nobilis), and extract the heart of the tree, which is then sliced and served with a delicious vinaigrette (a blend of dashi and soy sauce not to name it). The dish is so named because only the wealthiest individuals could afford to cut down a palm tree, making it a symbol of luxury and extravagance.

A Blend of Influences: The Cuisine of Seychelles

The Creole cuisine of Seychelles is heavily influenced by the various cultures that have inhabited the islands over the years, including French, African, Chinese, Indian, and English. As a result, Seychellois dishes are characterized by a skilful blend of spices and the abundant use of coconut milk.

The Splendide Côtes du Roussillon Latour de France Appellation

To enhance the culinary experience of the salad, I recommend pairing it with a red Côtes du Roussillon Latour de France from my beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region.

The Côtes du Roussillon Latour de France is a distinguished appellation for red wines that comes from the charming parish of Latour de France in the Roussillon wine region, located in the far corner of France, between Spain and the Mediterranean. This region is blessed with a unique combination of topography and climate, which makes it ideal for cultivating grapevines that yield excellent wine.

The Principal Grape Varieties Used in the Appellation

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Lladoner Pelut are the principal grape varieties used in the Côtes du Roussillon Latour de France appellation. These grape varieties have been cultivated here for centuries and have adapted well to the region’s rocky and arid terrain. They offer a rich flavour and aroma profile that is unique to this appellation.

The Rich Viticultural Heritage of the Roussillon Wine Region

The Côtes du Roussillon appellation covers the eastern half of the Pyrénées-Orientales administrative district at the eastern edge of the Pyrenees Mountains. The Roussillon wine region is known for its rich viticultural heritage, which dates to the Roman era. The region’s traditional grape varieties include Carignan, Grenache, and Cinsault, as well as increasingly abundant plantings of Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Elevating the Dish

One cannot help but imagine the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean while indulging in the Seychellois cuisine. The “Salade du millionaire” is no exception, with its fresh ingredients and flavourful vinaigrette that perfectly complement the heart of the palm tree. This dish is a testament to the Seychellois people’s ingenuity and creativity in the kitchen.

So, if you cannot find yourself yet on the islands of the Seychelles, be sure to indulge in this decadent salad and experience the true taste of paradise…

MILLIONAIRE'S SALAD FROM SEYCHELLES (DECKENIA NOBILIS)

Sixtine

Don't just read about the Millionaire's Salad, experience it for yourself and taste the magic of Seychellois cuisine.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 150 g palm heart diced
• 1 chpped shallot chopped
• 1 handful fresh mint chopped
• 2 cm fresh ginger grated
• 100 g red pepper diced
• 1 chili chopped
• 100 g mango chopped
• 50 g fresh coconut
• 100 g avocado
• DRESSING
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp dashi
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce

Instructions

 

• In a little bowl, emulsify the sesame oil with the rice vinegar, dashi, soy and fish sauce. Set aside.
• In a salad bowl, combine all the ingredients listed above.
• Drizzle with the dressing.
• Toss well and serve!

Keyword avocado, buffet, delicious, easy recipe, easy-peasy, fruit salad, mango, palm heart, vegan

Salade millionnaire seychelloise