Gulha (Maldivian Tuna and Coconut Fried Dumplings)
Local name: ގުޅަ
In short: Small fried dough balls stuffed with spiced tuna, grated coconut, onion and chili. A crunchy Maldivian short eat served with sweet hot tea. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 45 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 390 kcal
Gulha are small, round, golden dumplings filled with tuna, coconut, onion and chili. Maldivians serve them with sweet hot tea at tea time and make them for guests and gatherings. The wheat dough is crisp outside and soft inside, and the filling is savory, hot and a little tangy from lime. They are best eaten fresh from the oil.
Instructions
- Mix the flour and salt, add the oil and water and knead for 5 minutes into a smooth, firm dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
- Mix the tuna, coconut, onion, chilies, curry leaves, lime juice, salt and pepper, pressing it together with your hands until it holds as a ball.
- Divide the dough into 20 pieces, about 20 g each. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a small disc 6 cm (2 1/2 in) wide, thinner at the edge.
- Put about 1 tablespoon (15 g) of filling in the center. Fold the edges over, pinch the top shut, and roll between your palms into a smooth ball.
- Heat the oil to 170°C (340°F) in a deep pot. Fry 6 to 8 balls at a time for 4 to 5 minutes, turning, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with sweet tea.
Tips
- Do not overfill, and make sure there are no gaps or air pockets. Gulha with open seams burst in the oil.
- Rice flour dough makes smaller, harder, crunchier gulha. Replace half the wheat flour with rice flour to try it.
Questions and answers
Can I bake gulha?
Yes. Brush them with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once. They will be paler and less crisp.
Can I freeze gulha?
Freeze the shaped, unfried balls on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen at 160°C (320°F) for 6 minutes.
How do I keep gulha crisp?
Serve them straight after frying. Drained on a rack and kept in a 100°C (210°F) oven they stay crisp for about 20 minutes.
How long does it take to make Gulha (Maldivian Tuna and Coconut Fried Dumplings)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 45 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gulha (Maldivian Tuna and Coconut Fried Dumplings)?
About 390 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 390 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
