Kulhi Boakibaa
Kulhi Boakibaa is a savory Maldivian fish cake, often enjoyed as a snack or tea-time treat. It's made with a base of ground rice, flaked tuna, grated coconut, and a blend of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Rice(soaked overnight and coarsely ground)
- 3 cups Smoked tuna(diced/sliced (or 3 cans tuna chunks, drained))
- 1 cup Grated coconut
- 1 large Onion(finely sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 Green chilies (githeyo mirus)(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1/3 cup Curry leaves(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- 1.5 cups Water(or as needed)
- 2 large Eggs(beaten (optional, for binding))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped curry leaves, chopped green chilies, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and salt. Squeeze and mash the ingredients together to release their juices.
- 2
Add the flaked tuna (or canned tuna) and grated coconut to the bowl. Mix well.
- 3
Stir in the coarsely ground rice and the beaten eggs (if using). Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a thick, paste-like consistency.
- 4
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish or a non-stick pan. If using a pan, ensure the mixture is about 1 inch thick.
- 5
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Alternatively, cook on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until the bottom is golden brown (about 10-15 minutes per side, flipping carefully).
- 6
Let the Kulhi Boakibaa cool slightly before cutting into squares or desired shapes. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking and grinding the rice gives the cake its characteristic texture.
- ✓Using smoked tuna adds a deeper flavor, but canned tuna is a convenient substitute.
- ✓The addition of eggs helps bind the mixture, especially if using only canned tuna.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes omit the rice flour and use more coconut, or add a small amount of flour for binding.
- Can be made spicier by increasing the amount of green chilies.