09 Jul 2020
A Taste of The Maldives To Enjoy At Home From Iti Maafushivaru
Discerning travellers will be delighted to hear that the full renovation of the stunning five-star Maafushivaru resort has now been completed, and the resort team are looking forward to welcoming guests when they are able to travel; in the meantime the resort's first-class culinary team is sharing some of their tropically-infused, locally inspired recipes, so you can experience a taste of the Maldives, in your own home.
Maldivian food, known as Dhivehi cuisine, frequently features produce that the Maldives has plenty of as the star of each dish, namely coconuts and fish. As a result of the rich and colourful heritage of the Maldives; flavours and spices from other Indian Ocean countries can be found across local recipes, especially non-endemic foods that are now grown in the Maldives like chillies, limes and onions. Tuna features heavily in popular Dhivehi dishes and Preeti Bomzon, the Executive Chef at Maafushivaru has chosen a couple of her favorite local recipes to share with you.
MAS HUNI (Tuna)
Serves 3
15 minutes
Tinned tuna 200 grams
Grated coconut (can use
rehydrated desiccated
coconut if fresh is
unavailable) 100 grams
Green chili sliced 20 grams
Red onion sliced 50 grams
Curry leaves chopped 10 grams
Lime juice juice of 2 limes
Salt & black pepper to taste
Method
In a big bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly; mentioned above except tuna.
Flake tuna with a fork. And mix the tuna with the rest of the ingredients.
Best eaten at room temperature with warm Roshi – Maldivian bread (tortilla / chapati bread can be used instead).
TUNA CURRY
Serves 3
60-70 minutes
Cooking oil 2 tbsp
Red onion sliced 50 grams
Garlic chopped 15 grams
Ginger grated 15 grams
Fresh tomato 80 grams
Curry leaves 5 grams
Pandan leaves chopped 20 grams
Maldivian fresh chili 10 grams
Tomato paste 20 grams
Turmeric powder 5 grams
Curry powder (South Asian) 15 grams
Roasted cumin powder 10 grams
Chili powder 10 grams
Fish / vegetable stock 100 ml
Salt & pepper to taste
Coconut milk 1 can / 220 ml
Fresh tuna loin 300 grams
Method
In a thick bottomed pan, heat oil, transfer onions and cook until golden brown.
Add processed ginger & garlic, curry & pandan leaves followed by fresh tomatoes & chopped chili, cook until soft.
Add tomato paste and continue cooking until the oil separates in the pan.
Add dry spices as mentioned above, add a little fish / vegetable stock to prevent sticking and burning while cooking, for 3-4 minutes.
Add coconut milk, cook until the first boil, season with salt & pepper.
Add diced tuna loin, this will take about 5-7 minutes to cook.
Serve hot over steamed rice.
When international travel is possible again, Iti Maafushivaru will be ready to welcome foodies keen to explore a wide variety local and global flavours. The island offers Half Board, Half Board Plus* and Dine Around All Inclusive**, all of which offer a perfect chance to dine in luxury and experience a delectable range of dishes from around the world and closer to home. Half Board includes breakfast and dinner at the Cuisine Gallery, Half Board Plus additionally includes a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including selected international branded spirits, an extensive cocktail list and a selection of bottled wines. Other benefits offered in the plan include complimentary snorkelling equipment and non-motorised water sports. Guests wishing to have the fullest experience at Maafushivaru can choose Dine-Around All Inclusive which also includes breakfast at the Cuisine Gallery, with lunch and dinner at any of the operational à la carte restaurants on the island.
Distinctive design is a feature of the island and continues from the stylish guest rooms to the striking Moodhu Grill, lti Maafushivaru's signature restaurant. Offering fresh meat and seafood with a range of dishes from its tandoor oven, Moodhu's delectable dining choices and stunning sea views make this is a must-visit at the resort, while Umi provides an over water teppanyaki experience, Cielo, set above the Water Bar is an all-day dining restaurant with a Mediterranean-feel menu. Poolside, Las Tapas, will present lighter lunchtime bites, while Water Bar offers refreshing drinks overlooking the turquoise waters and Cuisine Gallery offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with local and regional flavours.
- ENDS –
For further information, please contact Sharon Good E: sharong@goodresults.co.uk
Tel: 0203 3975180
