Maldivian-style Grilled Fish Sandwich

Ingredients

In this Maldivian adaptation, we replace the traditional Turkish bread with a toasted bun, commonly used in Maldivian cuisine. The original Kumru sandwich typically includes cheese, but in this Maldivian version, we focus on the tropical flavors by adding a zesty coconut chutney. The spices used in the marinade are also adjusted to incorporate Maldivian flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Kumru, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup pickles 1/2 cup pickles
• For the coconut chutney: For the coconut chutney:
• 1 cup grated coconut 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 green chili, chopped 1 green chili, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt to make a marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the fish fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Grill the fish fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   While the fish is grilling, prepare the coconut chutney. In a blender, combine the grated coconut, green chili, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth.
6. 6.
   Toast the burger buns until golden brown.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of coconut chutney on the bottom half of each bun.
8. 8.
   Place a grilled fish fillet on top of the chutney.
9. 9.
   Layer shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles on the fish.
10. 10.
    Cover with the top half of the bun.
11. 11.
    Serve the Maldivian-style Grilled Fish Sandwich immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose a firm white fish such as grouper or snapper for grilling. Ensure the fillets are fresh and free from any strong fishy odor.
• Coconut — Freshly grated coconut works best for the chutney, but you can also use unsweetened desiccated coconut as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add a pinch of chili flakes to the coconut chutney.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the fish over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• You can add a squeeze of lime juice to the assembled sandwich for an extra burst of freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Maldivian-style Grilled Fish Sandwich with a side of crispy plantain chips or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwich with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of lime. Serve it on a wooden board or a tropical-themed plate to capture the essence of the Maldives.