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Gulha: A Favorite Maldivian Short Eat

Gulha: A Favorite Maldivian Short Eat

Gulha is a small, fried pastry filled with tuna, coconut, chili, onion, and aromatic ingredients. It belongs to the Maldivian tradition of hedhikaa, or short eats, which are often enjoyed with tea.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Snack
Cuisine: maldive

Ingredients
  

250 g cooked tuna, finely flaked
1 cup freshly grated coconut
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 fresh green chilies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
5–6 curry leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • For the Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm water, approximately
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • For Frying
Vegetable oil, as needed

Method
 

Prepare the filling by combining the flaked tuna, grated coconut, onion, green chilies, curry leaves, ginger, black pepper, salt, and lime juice in a bowl, mixing until everything is evenly combined. In another bowl, mix the flour and salt, then gradually add warm water and knead until you have a soft, smooth dough. Add the oil and knead briefly, then cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into a thin circle. Place a small spoonful of tuna filling in the center, fold the dough around it, and carefully pinch and seal the edges to create a small oval or round pastry. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat and fry the gulha in batches until they become crisp and golden brown on all sides. Transfer them to a paper-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve warm with tea or your favorite dipping sauce.

    Video

    Notes

    Keep the filling dry and seal every gulha firmly before frying. If the filling is too wet or the dough has small openings, the pastries can burst in the hot oil. Fry over medium heat so the outside becomes beautifully golden while the dough cooks evenly.