Rihaakuru

Rihaakuru is a traditional Maldivian dish made from tuna fish. It is a thick, dark brown paste that is rich in flavor and nutrients. The process of making Rihaakuru involves boiling fresh tuna in water and extracting the fish broth. The broth is then boiled until it reduces to a thick paste.

History

The history of Rihaakuru dates back to the time when Maldivians were heavily dependent on fishing. Tuna was, and still is, a staple food in the Maldives. The Maldivians developed a method to preserve the excess catch by sun-drying the fish. The dried fish, known as Maldive fish, could be stored for a long time. However, during the process of making Maldive fish, a lot of fish broth was produced. Instead of wasting this nutritious broth, the Maldivians came up with the idea of boiling it down to a thick paste, which is now known as Rihaakuru.

Preparation

The preparation of Rihaakuru is a time-consuming process. It involves boiling fresh tuna in water until the fish is cooked. The fish is then removed from the water, leaving behind a fish broth. This broth is boiled for several hours until it reduces to a thick, dark brown paste. The paste is then strained to remove any remaining fish particles, resulting in a smooth, rich paste.

Consumption

Rihaakuru is consumed in a variety of ways in the Maldives. It is often eaten with rice, roshi (a type of Maldivian flatbread), or garudhiya (a traditional Maldivian fish soup). It can also be used as a flavoring agent in other dishes. Despite its strong, fishy flavor, Rihaakuru is a beloved part of the Maldivian cuisine.

Nutritional Value

Rihaakuru is rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

Cultural Significance

Rihaakuru holds a significant place in Maldivian culture. It is a symbol of the Maldivian's deep connection with the sea and their resourcefulness in using every part of the fish. It is often served at special occasions and is a common gift item.

See Also

• Maldivian cuisine
• Maldive fish
• Garudhiya

References

• Maldivian Food – Rihaakuru. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tasteatlas.com/rihaakuru
• Rihaakuru: A Taste of Maldivian Heritage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.maldives.com/destination-guides/rihaakuru-a-taste-of-maldivian-heritage/
• Maldivian Cuisine: Rihaakuru. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.maldiviancuisine.com/rihaakuru/