Cuisine Focus – Maldivian – Gem amidst the Seas

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Blessed with a likely climate and humid soil, the Maldives Islands serves as a perfect ground for tropical fruits, seafood and vegetables. Since the islands are situated in the Indian Ocean, it is very easy to note that Maldivian food is all about fish and other types of seafood. In fact, seafood remains as the prime element in this cuisine in line with exotic fruits, while the use of vegetables and spices somewhat give this cooking additional character and texture.

Asian influences enriched Maldivian cooking by means of sauces and spices. Key ingredients likewise include coconut, rice and lemon juice. Tuna, for the most part, serves as Maldives’ staple in terms of seafood, which is why the people are known for serving tuna-based dishes to visiting friends and neighbors. Homemade meals are frequently served with Roshi; a type of local bread that is made with salt, water, flour and oil.

Gawdhiya, a dish made of tuna, is a popular recipe among its people. They also take pride in making Hanaakurimas, a dry fish curry recipe and Guldha or fish balls made with onions, ginger, chili, and coconut also lime juice. Rice is also a known staple along with other tubers and root crops namely taro and sweet potatoes. Breadfruit is likewise a prized item in Maldivian cuisine together with other tropical fruits.

Ingredients Utilized in Maldivian Cuisine

Seafood:

Skipjack Tuna, Big Eye Scad, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo, Yellow fin Tuna

Fruits:

Breadfruit, Grapefruits, Bananas, Mangoes, Limes, Oranges, Avocado, Pineapples, Lemons

Root Crops/Vegetables:

Taro, Sweet Potatoes

Spices, Seasonings and Herbs:

Ginger, Onion, Chili, Lemongrass, Salt, Lemon/Lime juice, Curry

Another key ingredient is the famous Maldive fish. Also known as Umbalakada in Sri Lanka, this fish is cured tuna that is only processed in Maldives and serves as their prime export to other countries.

The Maldives people are not known for eating their seafood or fish raw. Tuna, for instance, is prepared by means of boiling, smoking, sun-drying, grilling or frying. They are also into curing meats. Meanwhile, tubers namely taro and potatoes are usually consumed and prepared by means of boiling. Honey is also a utilized item in place of sugar and sweets. Cereals as well as rice are also slowly influencing households, thus making it a part of their meals.

Fish, coconuts, tubers and breadfruit may be the staples in Maldivian cuisine. However, their relationship with other countries led to the introduction of other items such as flour, spices, herbs and grains. Since Maldivian cooking is influenced by the Indians and Sri Lankans, it is only proper to expect that curries and other spices are being used frequently.

Maldives, like a gem amidst the seas, holds much treasure in terms of seafood and natural wealth. Its people are no longer confined to just local vegetables and fruits since other cultures made the cuisine more delicious and appealing. Studying Maldivian cuisine is like peering through a colored window, where you can see an abundance of wealth within everyone’s reach, thus, making its people truly fortunate, well-endowed and blessed.

Authentic Maldivian Recipes

Garudhiya

Recipe Source: goodcooking.com

Recipe by: Chef Rajeev Kumar Bansal

History: The recipes I have taken are authentic and old Maldivian recipes- corrected and refined after many trials with my Maldivian cooks.

Description: Maldivian Recipe

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Amount/Measure/Ingredient:

500 gram       Tuna fillets cut into 2” slices/steaks
4 each           Dried cherry pepper
Few   2-3       Curry leaves
115 gram       Thinly sliced onion
1.5 litre          Water
Salt to taste
Juice of one lime

Preparation:

1. Boil all the ingredients apart from lime juice over low heat for 20 minutes. Skim.

2. Add lime juice just after removing from the heat. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Cole Slaw

Recipe Source: recipes.mymaldives.com

What you need:

1 cup cabbage – shredded
1 cup carrot – grated
½ cup onion – chopped

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp mustard sauce
salt & pepper to taste

How to make:

Mix the cabbage, carrot and onion. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add to salad and mix well. Transfer to a smaller bowl, cover and refrigerate. Stir again before serving.

Image Credit: maldives.tourism-srilanka.com

goodcooking.com

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