Toufe Bred Ziromon (Pumpkin Leaves and Shoots)
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. One of my absolute favourite Mauritian vegetarian meals Toufe Bred Ziromon (Pumpkin Shoots and Leaves or Toufé Brède Giraumon) with a bit of rice, served with lentils or dhal, Pomme de Terre Fricassé, and a good satini coco. Give me that combo anytime, and I’m happy! It brings back so many childhood memories. I was a lazy eater as a child, so my mom used to mash the rice and bred together until the rice turned all green. Then she would make little balls to get me to eat.
Today, I’m sharing how my mom makes her Touf Bred Ziromon. It’s a healthy dish, using just a tiny bit of oil. We plucked the Brèdes Giraumon from our garden early this morning, so they’re super fresh and super green. I think we’re lucky to get them so fresh because that makes all the difference in the taste – the bred is so juicy!
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Leaves and Shoots
- Supports your immune system: Pumpkin leaves and shoots are rich in iron which helps in healing our red blood cells. They help in strengthening our body and our immune system that can fight infections and diseases.
- Strengthen your bones: A good source of calcium and phosphorus that is necessary for our bones. It’s believed that pumpkin leaves can help in reducing joint pain.
- Can help in managing PMS symptoms: Pumpkin leaves and shoots contain manganese which may help in managing menstrual pain and mood-related symptoms.
- Great for your heart: It’s a good source of soluble fiber and potassium that help in controlling cholesterol and hence promotes heart health.
- Amazing for your skin: If you want healthy skin, pumpkin leaves have high water content that retains moisture and it’s also known to be rich in vitamin A.
Toufe Bred Ziromon
Equipment
- 1/2 Medium Onion Chopped roughly
- 2 Garlic Cloves Chopped roughly
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 Packets Brède Giraumon (pumpkin shoots) throughly cleaned and washed
- 1/2 Medium Onion Chopped roughly
- 2 cloves Garlic Chopped roughly
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 Green chilli (Optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan or wok on a medium flame.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add the Brède Giraumon to the pan, add salt (to taste) and stir well. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. We’ll be cooking à l'étouffée. (a gentle stewing method).
- The Brède will turn a darkgreen colour, indicating that it’s almost done. You'll notice some liquid in the pan. Now, continue cooking for another 10 minutes, uncovered, until most of the water evaporates. That's when you know it's ready.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy Mauritian dish! It’s a taste of home for me, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Craving more Mauritian flavours? Try our smokey eggplant chutney (satini brinzel). It’s going to be your favourite side dish or perhaps you’re looking for a spicy kick? Then you need to try my eggplant vindaye! Of course, you can’t miss out on the kari banane (banana curry).Click here for more delicious Mauritian recipes.