The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. However, there's more to this island nation than just its natural beauty. The Maldives is also known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences.
One of the traditional breakfast dishes of the Maldives is Mashuni and Disk. This dish is simple yet delicious and is usually eaten with roshi, which is a type of flatbread. Mashuni is a spicy tuna salad that is made by mixing canned tuna with grated coconut, onion, chilli, lime juice, and salt. The ingredients are mixed together until they form a paste-like consistency. The tuna is typically the canned type, and it's shredded or mashed with a fork or a spoon. The grated coconut gives the dish a sweet and nutty flavour, while the chilli adds heat and spice. The lime juice adds a sour note that helps to balance out the flavours.
Disk is a thin, crispy bread that is similar to a pancake. It's made with a mixture of flour, water, and salt. The dough is rolled out and then cooked on a hot griddle until it's golden brown and crispy. Disk is usually served alongside Mashuni, and it's used to scoop up the tuna salad.
To make a traditional Maldivian breakfast of Mashuni and Disk, you start by making the Mashuni. You mix the canned tuna, grated coconut, chopped onion, chopped chilli, lime juice, and salt together in a bowl until it's well combined. Then you set it aside while you make the Disk.
To make the Disk, you mix together the flour, water, and salt in a bowl until it forms a smooth dough. Then you roll it out into thin circles and cook them on a hot griddle until they're golden brown and crispy. To Indians, this might seem all too familiar and that's because it's essentially the same as a roti.
Once the Disk is cooked, you serve it alongside the Mashuni. To eat, you break off a piece of Disk and use it to scoop up some of the Mashuni. The combination of the spicy tuna salad and the crispy bread is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.