Keemia (Keemia)
The Quirky Foodster Team

Ingredients
- Cooked, flaked tuna — 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Green chillies, finely chopped — 2
- Curry powder — 1 tsp
- Boiled potatoes, mashed — 2
- Breadcrumbs — 1 cup (60 g / 2 oz)
- Eggs, beaten — 2
- Oil for deep frying
- Salt — to taste
Method
- Combine the flaked tuna, onion, chilli, curry powder, mashed potato and salt in a bowl, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into small cylindrical rolls, about 6 cm (2.5 in) long.
- Dip each roll in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).
- Deep-fry the rolls in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Introduction: Crisp, spiced fish rolls coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, a popular Maldivian street and teahouse snack.
Cultural Background: Keemia reflects a slightly different texture tradition among Maldivian short eats — rolled rather than folded, and coated in breadcrumbs for extra crunch, often sold from street stalls and teahouse counters alike.
Tips: Chill the shaped rolls for 15 minutes before frying to help them hold together better. Press the breadcrumb coating on firmly for an even, crisp crust.
Variations: Add finely grated carrot to the filling for extra texture and colour. Serve with a side of chilli sauce for dipping.
Storage: Store cooled keemia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes, or an air fryer for 5 minutes, to restore crispness.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 2 pieces): 290 kcal, 16 g protein, 14 g fat, 26 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: Can keemia be made ahead and frozen?
A: Yes, shape and coat the rolls, then freeze uncooked;
Q: What makes keemia different from bajiya?
A: Keemia is breadcrumb-coated and rolled, giving a
- Cooked, flaked tuna — 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Green chillies, finely chopped — 2
- Curry powder — 1 tsp
- Boiled potatoes, mashed — 2
- Breadcrumbs — 1 cup (60 g / 2 oz)
- Eggs, beaten — 2
- Oil for deep frying
- Salt — to taste

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