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Kandu Kukulhu: Rolled Tuna Curry

Kandu Kukulhu: Rolled Tuna Curry

Kandu kukulhu is a more elaborate tuna dish in which seasoned fish is rolled before being cooked in a curry sauce. The technique gives the dish a distinctive appearance and allows the rolls to absorb the flavors of the coconut and spices as they simmer.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: maldive

Ingredients
  

500 g fresh tuna, cut into thin, flat slices
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup water
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2–3 fresh green chilies, finely chopped
8–10 curry leaves
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh grated coconut
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the rolls
Steamed rice or roshi, for serving

Method
 

Place the tuna slices on a clean surface and gently flatten them if necessary. Combine half of the onion, garlic, ginger, green chili, grated coconut, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, chili powder, and a little salt to create a fragrant filling. Spread a small amount of the mixture over each tuna slice, then carefully roll the slices tightly and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Heat the coconut oil in a wide pan and gently sauté the remaining onion, garlic, ginger, chilies, and curry leaves until fragrant. Add the remaining spices and stir briefly, then pour in the coconut milk and water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Carefully place the tuna rolls into the curry, cover the pan, and simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes, turning the rolls carefully once or twice so they cook evenly. Finish with fresh lime juice, remove the toothpicks or twine, and serve the rolls hot with steamed rice or warm roshi.

    Video

    Notes

    Roll the tuna tightly but don't overfill it. A thin, even layer of filling helps the rolls hold their shape and allows the spicy coconut curry to penetrate the fish while it cooks.