Maldivian tuna balls – Gullah

Deliciously tasty, these tuna balls from the Maldives are simple to make and use many store cupboard basics. Perfect for a bank holiday lunch.

Gullah tuna balls

• 400g tuna
• 1kg potatoes, not too large
• 100g onion (finely chopped)
• 5g fresh red chilli (deseeded & finely chopped)
• 10g garlic (finely chopped)
• 3g turmeric powder
• 8g ground cumin
• 10g fresh coriander leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Spread a layer of salt on a baking sheet and arrange the potatoes on top.
2. Bake until a little overcooked, about 30 minutes. Let them sit until cool enough to handle, cut in half, and scoop out the flesh.
3. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or grate them on the large holes of a box grater.
4. Combine remaining ingredients and mix carefully. Form into approx 50g balls and refrigerate until they are firm which makes them easier to handle for the next step.
5. Prepare the following divided between 3 separate shallow trays:

• flour seasoned with sea salt and ground white pepper
• 50ml milk and 1 egg lightly beaten
• 200g of Panko (Japanese) Bread Crumbs (not strictly traditional but we like Panko for its very crispy texture & presentation)

6. Remove your Gullah from the fridge and roll through the seasoned flour, patting off the excess to produce light coating.
7. Now with your left hand roll the floured ball through egg wash, lifting it out and rolling it in the palm of your hand to remove the excess egg wash before gently placing it in the bread crumbs. Roll your tuna ball through the bread crumbs with your right hand, until you have an even coating.
8. Deep fry until outside is golden brown and crisp.