Mas Riha - Traditional Maldivian Tuna Curry

Ingredients

1 x 350g fillet tuna, cut into small cubes
1 large onion, sliced
1 pandan leaf, cut into large pieces
1 sprig curry leaves
1/4-1/2 habanero (depending on how much heat you can handle)
3 cloves garlic, grated
1.5cm piece of ginger, grated
3 Tbs huni havaadhu (coconut based curry powder)
2 1/2 cups water
150mL coconut milk (canned or packed), or if using fresh, choose thick coconut milk
1/4 tsp tamarind purée, or a pea-size piece of tamarind
2-3 Tbs corn or sunflower oil
Salt to taste

Method

Add a small handful of the onion (roughly 1/4 of the sliced onion), garlic, ginger and curry leaves into a wet grinder, or blender along with a pinch of salt and about 2-3 tablespoons of water and blend to a smooth fine paste.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the remaining onions, curry leaves and pandan leaf and stir fry till onions soften.

Add the blended curry paste mixture along with habanero peppers, water and tamarind to the stir-fried onions.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and add the fish cubes.

Let the mixture simmer till the fish is cooked through and the curry flavours develop.

Taste and add salt if needed and then finally add coconut milk. Cook for another 2 minutes and serve.

Credits: Explore the Maldives

Photo Credits: Explore the Maldives