Gulha facts for kids
Gulha snacks from Maldives. Hanḍū gulha
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| Type | Snack food |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Maldives |
| Region or state | South Asia |
| Serving temperature | Preferably freshly-prepared along with hot tea |
| Main ingredients | Flour, tuna and grated coconut |
| Variations | Made with wheat flour or with rice flour dough |
Gulha (pronounced goo-lah) is a super popular snack from the beautiful Maldives islands. Imagine a tiny, tasty dumpling filled with delicious ingredients. That's Gulha! People in the Maldives love to eat these small bites, often with a hot cup of tea.
Contents
What is Gulha?
Gulha are small, round dumplings. They are usually shaped like little balls. These yummy snacks are filled with a mix of ingredients. The main filling is usually tuna fish. It is mixed with finely chopped onion, grated coconut, and a little bit of chili for a kick.
Special Ingredients for Flavor
Some cooks like to add extra flavors to their Gulha. They might include a pinch of turmeric for color and taste. A squeeze of lime juice adds a fresh, zesty touch. Sometimes, chopped curry leaves are also mixed in. These leaves give Gulha a unique, fragrant taste.
How Gulha is Made
After the filling is ready, it's wrapped in a soft dough. The dough can be made from two different types of flour. Some Gulha use wheat flour. Others are made with rice flour. Once the dumplings are shaped, they are usually deep-fried until they are golden and crispy. This makes them super tasty!
Different Kinds of Gulha
Gulha can come in different sizes and textures.
Wheat Flour vs. Rice Flour Gulha
When Gulha are made with wheat flour, they tend to be a bit softer. They have a chewy texture. If they are made with rice flour, they are usually smaller. These rice-flour Gulha are often harder and much crunchier. Both kinds are delicious, it just depends on what you prefer!
Gulha Sizes
The size of Gulha can vary a lot. Some are quite big, almost like a ping-pong ball. Others are tiny, about the size of small marbles. No matter the size, they are always a fun snack to eat.
How People Enjoy Gulha
Traditionally, people in the Maldives eat Gulha with hot, sweetened tea. It's a perfect combination for a snack break. Sometimes, Gulha are served along with other small snacks. These small bites are called "short eats" in the Maldives.
Fish in Gulha
In the past, the fish used for Gulha was often "Maldive fish." This is a special kind of dried, smoked tuna. Today, many Maldivians use canned tuna instead. It's easier to find and still tastes great.
Baked or Fried?
While most Gulha are deep-fried, some people prefer a healthier option. You can also bake Gulha in an oven. This makes them less oily but still very delicious.
