Bis Keemiya (Maldivian Tuna and Egg Pastry Rolls)
Local name: ބިސްކީމިޔާ
In short: Crisp fried pastry rolls filled with tuna, shredded cabbage, boiled egg and curry leaves. A favorite Maldivian short eat with sweet tea. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 45 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Bis keemiya are crisp, golden pastry rolls, something between a samosa and a spring roll, filled with tuna, shredded cabbage and chopped boiled egg. They are a staple of Maldivian short eats and are especially popular at evening tea and during Ramadan. The filling is sautéed until dry so the pastry stays crisp. Serve them hot with sweet tea or a chili sauce.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat and cook the onion, curry leaves and chili for 4 minutes.
- Add the cabbage, curry powder, pepper and salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the cabbage is soft and the pan is dry.
- Stir in the tuna and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, fold in the chopped eggs and lime juice and cool completely.
- Place a wrapper with a corner towards you. Put 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner, fold the corner over, fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Seal the edge with the flour paste.
- Heat the oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pan. Fry 4 rolls at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until deep golden.
- Drain on a rack and serve hot, with sweet tea or chili sauce.
Tips
- Cool the filling fully before rolling. Warm filling steams the wrapper and makes it tear.
- You can bake the rolls at 200°C (400°F) for 18 to 20 minutes, brushed with oil and turned once. They are lighter but less crisp.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze bis keemiya?
Yes. Freeze the shaped, unfried rolls in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen for 5 to 6 minutes.
Is bis keemiya spicy?
Mildly. The chili and curry powder give gentle heat, and you can add more chili for a hotter filling.
What can I use instead of spring roll wrappers?
Samosa pastry sheets or thin filo layered in pairs work well. Brush filo with oil before frying or baking.
How long does it take to make Bis Keemiya (Maldivian Tuna and Egg Pastry Rolls)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 45 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bis Keemiya (Maldivian Tuna and Egg Pastry Rolls)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 36 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
