How to Make Mashuni: A delicious Maldivian Dish

The Maldives is truly heaven on earth. But what if you do not have the time to travel to those beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean? The flavors of this delicious Maldivian dish will transport you straight there: Mashuni - a flavorful tuna salad that encapsulates the essence of Maldivian cuisine. Made with fresh ingredients and a perfect blend of spices, Mashuni is can be eaten for breakfast with some baked beans or also for a light lunch or dinner on a hot summer day.

What is Mashuni?

Mashuni is a simple, refreshing and one of the most iconic dishes of the Maldivian cuisine, primarily made from canned tuna, grated coconut, and fresh vegetables like spring onions and chilies. The contrast of textures and flavors makes this dish a must-try. Serve it with flatbread known as roshi or some baked beans this dish will bring the tropical islands directly into your kitchen.

Are you feeling inspired? Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this beautiful dish!

Ingredients You Will Need

Gather these ingredients to prepare Mashuni:

• 2 cups canned tuna (preferably in olive oil for added flavor)

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut (or desiccated coconut for convenience)

• 3 spring onions, finely chopped

• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)

• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (to enhance flavor)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander (optional for garnish)

  
  

These items are not only easy to find at your local grocery store, but they are also budget-friendly. If you can not find desiccated coconut, I usually by some grated coconut and coconut milk, mix it and let it stand for half an hour.

Preparing the Ingredients

Preparation is key for a smooth cooking experience. Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are ready:

1. Open the tuna: Drain the canned tuna to remove excess liquid. This helps achieve a nice, flaky texture for the salad.

   
   

2. Grate the coconut: If using fresh coconut, grate it finely. If using desiccated coconut, simply measure it out.

   
   

3. Chop the veggies: Finely chop the spring onions and chilies.

   
   

Making Mashuni

Now for the exciting part! Follow these steps to create your Mashuni.

Step 1: Combine Tuna and Coconut

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna with the grated coconut. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces to ensure an even blend of flavors.

Step 2: Add Fresh Ingredients

Next, incorporate the chopped spring onions and chilies. These fresh components add vibrant color, crunch, and balance out the richness of the tuna and coconut.

Step 3: Seasoning

Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle in some salt. The acidity from the lime juice enhances flavors, providing a nice contrast to the creaminess of the coconut. If you like coriander, chop some coriander and add it in.

Step 4: Mix It Up!

Using a fork, gently combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to mix too roughly; you want to maintain some texture in the tuna pieces.

Step 5: Taste Test

Now it’s time to taste your Mashuni! Adjust the lime juice and salt as needed to suit your palate. The right balance will bring all the flavors together beautifully.