Home › Recipes › Lunch ›Maldivian ›Maldivian Bis Keemiya: Tuna and Coconut Samosas
LUNCH

Maldivian Bis Keemiya: Tuna and Coconut Samosas

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Maldives with these crispy Bis Keemiya, savory samosas filled with a delicious mixture of flaked tuna, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful appetizer, these golden parcels offer a taste of island paradise.

✎
HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

02

Add the minced garlic, flaked tuna, grated coconut, turmeric powder, red chili flakes, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

03

Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled tuna and coconut filling in a line across one corner of the wrapper, leaving a small border.

04

Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides to create an envelope shape. Roll tightly towards the opposite corner to form a triangular samosa. Seal the final edge with a dab of water.

05

Repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

06

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).

07

Carefully place 2-3 samosas into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.

08

Remove the fried samosas with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.

About This Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Maldives with these crispy Bis Keemiya, savory samosas filled with a delicious mixture of flaked tuna, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful appetizer, these golden parcels offer a taste of island paradise.
Maldivian Bis Keemiya: Tuna and Coconut Samosas
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
✦
♨

Chef's Tips

Ensure the filling is completely cool before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from tearing. For extra crispiness, double-wrap the samosas if your wrappers are very thin. A small amount of cornstarch slurry can be used to create a stronger seal on the wrappers if needed.
↔

Easy Substitutions

Canned mackerel can be used instead of tuna. For a vegetarian option, substitute the tuna with mashed cooked potatoes and green peas. If fresh coconut is unavailable, unsweetened shredded coconut can be rehydrated with a little warm water before use.
▱

Storage & Reheating

Bis Keemiya are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Maldivian Tuna and Coconut Samosas with a fresh lime wedge for a zesty kick. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a spicy Maldivian chili sauce (garudhiya mirus). For a complete meal, enjoy them alongside a bowl of clear fish broth or a light cucumber raita.

Common Mistakes

1. Overfilling the wrappers: This makes them difficult to seal and prone to bursting during frying. Use about 2 tablespoons per samosa. 2. Not cooling the filling: Hot filling can make the wrappers soggy and tear. Always allow the filling to cool completely. 3. Frying in oil that's too cold or too hot: This leads to greasy or burnt samosas. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C). 4. Overcrowding the frying pot: This drops the oil temperature, resulting in soggy samosas. Fry in small batches. 5. Not sealing the wrappers properly: This can cause the filling to leak out during frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these samosas instead of frying?

While traditionally fried for crispiness, you can bake them. Brush with a little oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. The texture will be different but still delicious.

What kind of spring roll wrappers should I use?

Look for square spring roll wrappers, typically found in the frozen section of Asian grocery stores. Thaw them according to package instructions before use.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the tuna and coconut filling can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to perfectly crispy Bis Keemiya lies in maintaining the correct oil temperature during frying. If the oil is too cool, the samosas will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it's too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside while the inside remains less crispy. Using a kitchen thermometer is highly recommended. Also, don't overcrowd the pot, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to less crispy results. Fry in batches for optimal texture.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK

Reviews

☆

No reviews yet

Be the first person to review this recipe.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Made this recipe?

Tell us how it turned out.

Your review will be checked before appearing publicly.