Gourdhia: Clear Maldivian Fish Soup

Directions

1. First, remove the bones and any unnecessary internal parts from the fish. ≈ 3 min
2. Next, thoroughly wash the fish pieces, including the head and bones, and then drain them. ≈ 2 min
3. In a large container, pour in enough water and salt, then place it on the stove. ≈ 3 min
4. Once the water starts to heat up, add the pieces of fish. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
5. As the water begins to boil, a large amount of foam or debris (also known as “filiou” in Bengali) will form on the surface. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
6. Use a spoon to gently remove this foam. ≈ 3 min
7. This step is crucial for maintaining a clear broth. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
8. Cook the fish over medium heat until it is fully cooked. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
9. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add curry leaves, chopped onion, and chili peppers during cooking. ≈ 3 min
10. However, in the traditional method, only salt and water are used. ≈ 3 min