Mas Riha (Maldivian Tuna Curry)
Local name: މަސް ރިހަ
In short: Cubes of fresh tuna simmered with onion, garlic, curry leaves and spices, then finished with coconut milk and lime. Served with rice or roshi. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Mas riha is the everyday tuna curry of the Maldives, eaten with rice at lunch or with roshi at breakfast. Onions are fried until golden, then curry leaves, garlic, ginger and spices go in, followed by diced fresh tuna. A short simmer in water keeps the fish tender, and coconut milk goes in at the end for richness. The sauce stays loose and fragrant rather than thick.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat and cook the onions for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Add the garlic, ginger, curry leaves and green chilies and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder and turmeric and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tuna and salt and stir gently for 2 minutes so the cubes are coated and just turning opaque on the outside.
- Pour in the water, bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 8 minutes until the tuna is firm.
- Add the coconut milk, simmer gently for 5 minutes without boiling hard, and stir in the lime juice.
- Taste, adjust the salt and serve with steamed rice or roshi.
Tips
- Do not overcook the tuna. The cubes should still be moist inside, since tuna turns dry and chalky if it simmers much longer than the times given.
- Canned tuna can substitute in a pinch. Add it with the coconut milk and heat for just 3 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I use another fish?
Yes. Any firm fish such as mahi-mahi, swordfish or kingfish works. Cook it until just firm.
Can I make mas riha ahead?
Yes. The flavor improves overnight, and it keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently so the fish does not toughen.
How spicy is it?
Medium. Adjust the chilies, and leave out the chili powder for a mild curry.
How long does it take to make Mas Riha (Maldivian Tuna Curry)?
About 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mas Riha (Maldivian Tuna Curry)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 39 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
