Indulge – Veligandu Island
book now
veligandu-logo-latest
Local Time
28 oC Temperature
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Cooking with Chef Didi: Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Category: Indulge

Posted on

Cooking with Chef Didi: Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaaghetti Aglio, Olio e Pepperoncino is a simple yet delightful dish guests enjoy al fresco in the never ending summer at Veligandu Maldives.

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Pepperoncino means Spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili. This classic Italian dish appeared for the first time on the Cook book “Cucina Teorico Pratica” written by Guido Cavalcanti in 1837, under the name of “Uermiculi Aglio e uoglie”.

This dish is one of the most popular pasta recipes in Italy and in Veligandu as well. This late-night Roman staple is astonishingly full-flavored that at the end of a night out with friends, it is common that someone says “Andiamo da me a farci una Spaghettata!” (Let’s go to my place to eat Spaghetti!), due to its simplicity, convenience, and flavorsome, this spaghetti recipe is almost always the first choice.

Wine Paring

The Italian sparkling wine Prosecco pairs well with this dish as Prosecco’s bubbles cleans your mouth from the odor created from the fried oil and garlic. Sauvignon Blanc, a “crisp, elegant, and fresh” white wine which is not too dry and not too strong is an alternative. Those of you who prefers red wines over white can nosh this dish with Pinot Noir wine.

A quick recipe to prepare, let Veligandus’ Maldivian chef Didi guide you on how to prepare one of the best-loved Italian dish.

Here’s everything you’re going to need

  •  3⁄4 pound spaghetti or linguine
  •  6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  •  2 to 3 whole fresh pepperoncini (small red chilies), or small dried red chilies
  •  4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  •  Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1⁄2 tsp)
  •  1 cup freshly grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
  •  2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

How to cook

  •   Boil the spaghetti until it is al dente for 4 minutes, nearly but not quite done and still a bit chalky in the middle. Drain and keep it aside.
  • Heat the oil in a pot on medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and pepperoncini sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is translucent and slightly golden brown.
  • Once they start to splutter, lower the heat and toss the spaghetti.
  •  Add salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
  •  Remove from the fire and plate up the dish. Garnish with parsley, cheese and additional pepperoncini.
  •  Serve it warm to your family and friends with panfry or grilled seafood and your choice of wine.

Create unforgettable moments as you savour fabulous food alongside great company at Veligandu during your beach holiday in the Maldives.
Early Bird Offers for your Maldives holiday in 2020 and 2021. See all offers»

Posted on

Mas Riha – Maldivian Fish Curry By Chef Didi – Taste Of Maldives By Veligandu

For our guests who had tried this before and for those who love to cook, Veligandus’ famed and talented Maldivian chef Didi will guide you on how to prepare an authentic Maldivian Mas Riha (Maldivian Curry).  You can easily prepare this entire delicious meal in less than 30 minutes and bring the tropical Maldivian flavours to your kitchen with this luscious Mas Riha.

Here’s everything you’re going to need:

  • 2 tbsp. Oil
  • 1 Dried Gamboge
  • ½ tsp Fenugreek seeds
  • ½ tsp Cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp Sesamee seeds
  • 2 medium Onion, finely sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1  fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
  • 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
  • Few Hikadhi Faiy (Curry Leaves)
  • 3 Raanba Faiy (Pandan Leaves), cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Maldivian chilli
  • 1 tsp fish curry powder
  • ½ tsp Chili powder
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
  • 300ml coconut milk
  • 500g Fresh Red Snapper or any other firm fresh fish cut into small cubes. (Authentic Maldivian Fish curry is usually cooked with fresh tuna, Kaṇḍumas (skipjack tuna), but also Kanneli (yellowfin tuna) or Laṭṭi (little tunny)
  • Salt to taste (about ½ tsp)

Veligandu's Chef Didi cooking Mas Riha - Maldivian Fish Curry

How to cook:

  • Heat the oil in a pot on medium heat.
  • Add the dried gamboge, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, sauté for few seconds.
  • Once they start to splutter, add onions, ginger and garlic and stir. Add tomato, curry leaves, pandan and Maldivian chilli into the mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the onion softens, add Curry powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder and mix well. Stir for 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  • Add coconut milk and cook for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Gently add fresh red snapper cubes and toss until all pieces of fish are well coated with the source, simmer without stirring until the fish is well-cooked, about 5-6 minutes. The fish is ready when it slightly resists flaking, to confirm, gently nudge the fish with a spoon.
  • Add salt to taste and stir gently. Simmer about 1 minute.
  • Plate up and serve hot with basmati rice or roshi (Maldivian traditional flatbread).

Mas riha is commonly eaten with steamed white rice or Basmati, but when eaten for breakfast it is served with roshi (flatbread) and eaten along with hot tea.

Tips: The real secret to a luscious curry is fresh spices. Blooming the spices is a crucial step to creating a delectable curry, as it releases the essential flavour to the curry.

Make your own Maldivian curry powder fresh at home: Roast coriander, cumin, funnel, chilli and cinnamon powder along with ground pepper and cinnamon seeds in equal quantity. Leave the mixture to cool down as you begin with your curry preparation.

Basically the fish is diced and cooked together over low fire with a mixture of sautéed onions and spices to which Coconut milk is added and left to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Once you nail the basic steps on how to make a curry, you can have your way and create your very own curry that suits your taste buds.

We will see you soon when the time is right, till then enjoy the taste of Maldives in the comfort of your home.

Mas Riha

Posted on

Meet Chef Frianto – Creator of Fabulous Fusion Food at Veligandu

Madivaru Restaurant, our a la carte outlet, is a must-do dining experience for guests staying at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa. The fabulous food, coupled with a choice of settings: indoor, alfresco or on the beach, make this an unforgettable way to spend an evening in the Maldives. Chef de Cuisine, Frianto, is the talent behind the culinary creations at Madivaru.

madivaruentrance

Chef Frianto’s love for cooking came naturally and developed when he was a child; from the age of 12, he helped his mother in the kitchen to prepare dishes for the entire family. He used to wake up early in the morning before school, just to make sure he didn’t miss what his mother would prepare for the day ahead. Since then, cooking became part of Frianto’s daily routine, he was constantly learning, cooking and picking his own ingredients from the garden surrounding the local vineyard.

Frianto’s passion to keep learning and discovering took him to Indonesia, Maldives, Dubai, Brunei Darussalam, Seychelles, Dubai again and back to the Maldives, where he joined us at Veligandu as Chef de Cuisine for Madivaru Restaurant.

A significant point in Chef Frianto’s career was when he joined Burj Al Arab Dubai in 2004 as Senior Chef de Partie, working in Almahara fine dining restaurant together with Michelin star chefs from around the world. During this period, he learned a lot about different cooking techniques and styles, modern presentation, matching different ingredients and collaborating dishes. It was here that his love of creating new fusion dishes blossomed and has continued to shine through in his dishes.

Madivaru Restaurant

We managed to steal a few moments with Chef Frianto…

What type of fusion food do you create and what is your inspiration?  

My love of Asian ingredients combined with Western cooking techniques gives me the freedom to experiment and fuse it into a single dish, or I switch things around to use Western ingredients with Asian cooking techniques. I am happy to share a few dishes which I have created along my journey as a chef:

  • Wok Fried Noodle with Seafood, Capers and Italian Basil
  • Asian infused Lobster Bisque, Lobster Tempura and Asparagus Salad
  • Grilled Chicken Salad on Crispy Indonesian Crackers
  • Rare cooked Angus Beef with Massaman Risotto

What is your signature and ‘must-try’ dish and the story behind it?

It has to be Wok Fried Noodle with Seafood, Capers and Italian Basil. In Indonesia and most of Asia, noodles are eaten daily, either for breakfast, lunch or dinner, just like rice. They go well with capers, which will give you the taste of lemons, olives and salty flavours. Italian basil is very aromatic and has a pleasant spicy taste and smell. These all combine into a mouthwatering dish.

How do the restaurant views, al fresco dining and Veligandu’s general topography and ambience contribute to the fusion food?

I would say Veligandu is a unique tropical island resort and Madivaru occupies an amazing location, surrounded by lush vegetation and white sandy beaches, it has a relaxed atmosphere too. We express these qualities in our dishes with tropical produce, balanced, light dishes and unique tastes which most of our guests have never experienced before.

madivaruindoor

Add Madivaru to your Veligandu holiday itinerary and sample some of Chef Frianto’s fusion creations. Reservations are essential and can be taken up to two hours before the restaurant opens each evening.

Posted on

Endless Opportunities For Romance at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

With its romantic hotels and luxury resorts, the Maldives is world-renowned for romance and as a top honeymoon destination, it’s the definitive place to go for a romantic getaway. Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is a small but beautiful island where the white sand and sparkling ocean provide the perfect backdrop for romance in paradise.

The opportunities for romance at Veligandu are endless and include everything from intimate candlelight dinners on the beach to a cocktail with your loved one while watching the setting sun light up the evening sky. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to surprise your loved one here is a snapshot of how your romantic escape could look:

  • Start the day with a champagne breakfast in the comfort of your villa. Enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean while you feast on a scrumptious continental breakfast accompanied by a half bottle of perfectly chilled Moet & Chandon Champagne.
  • Wander hand in hand to the spa and indulge in a Him & Her Herbal Oil Balinese Body Massage in a candlelit room followed by champagne as the finishing luxurious touch to this treatment.
  • Book a special spot from where to appreciate the spectacular Maldivian sunset, Veligandu’s ‘Bubbly Sunset Love Bed on the Beach’ experience is guaranteed to melt your loved one’s heart. Sip champagne and enjoy the delicious homemade canapés while Mother Nature transforms day to night.
  • For the quintessential finale, a candlelight dinner on the beach is an absolute must. With your feet in the sand, exquisite food on the table and your eyes on each other, it’s an evening to remember. Choose from a Private BBQ, a Veli Dinner where your table and chairs are made from the soft white sand, a Bubbles and Lobster Beach Dinner or Madivaru Sunset Dinner – whichever choice you make, it will be a night to remember.
  • Want to take romance to the next level? What could be more romantic than renewing your wedding vows? There is no better place to reaffirm your love than at this island paradise.

It’s always romantic at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa so don’t worry if your escape is not in February, the romance never ends and the above experiences are available throughout the year!

Posted on

All-Inclusive Romantic Maldives Honeymoon

If you’re looking for a romantic Maldives getaway, a place to celebrate your honeymoon or simply somewhere to relax and enjoy a carefree holiday with your loved one – with Veligandu Island Resort & Spa’s All-Inclusive Plus Package you’ll find everything you’re looking for. From the moment you set foot on the island, love will be in the air and it will become clear why Veligandu is the place to be for those searching for the best all-inclusive honeymoon resort in the Maldives.

The stunningly beautiful island, luxurious villas and attentive service are complemented by the extensive all-inclusive package which has just seen even more benefits added:

New Updates to Veligandu’s All-Inclusive Plus Package :

  • 20% discount on all food items at Madivaru à la carte Restaurant (not valid for onsite special events such as themed dinners)
  • One lunch or one dinner at Madivaru à la carte Restaurant for every guest staying 5-nights – pre-booking required and subject to space availability (not valid for onsite special events such as themed dinners)
  • 20% discount from selected spa treatments taken during the first two days.

We want your honeymoon or romantic holiday to be relaxed and carefree, enabling you and your loved one to enjoy the Maldives to the absolute max without the worry of how big the bill will be at the end – and that’s exactly what Veligandu’s All-Inclusive Plus Package is designed to do. Allow yourself to imagine your days spent at our tropical paradise without a care in the world…

…Sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 24-hour-a-day snacks, free-flow alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including the quintessential cocktails for watching those glorious Maldivian sunsets, are yours to enjoy. Days spent wandering hand-in-hand along the soft white sand, exploring the lagoon in a kayak or learning how to snorkel and windsurf can be complemented with a sunset cruise, local island trip or a yoga session. Celebrate your love with a half bottle of champagne per room per stay too – all within the incredible all-inclusive package at Veligandu.

Explore more of our All-Inclusive Plus Package here.

Posted on

Celebrate Your Anniversary In Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

In Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, we believe that the honeymoon never ends. Love is meant to be celebrated every day. To this end, we have created a variety of experiences to help you honour and revel in every moment spent together. On our island, with its pristine beach, lush nature and azure lagoon, you will find a hideaway custom-made for romance. Whether you are celebrating your first, tenth or fortieth marriage anniversary, in Veligandu, you will be reminded what love is all about.

Indulge in our selection of romantic experiences, which you can customise based on your length of stay. Whether you are staying with us for a few days or weeks, there is plenty to do in a tranquil and relaxed environment. Start the day with private sunrise snorkelling or stay in and order a Champagne Room Breakfast. Escape to a private island for a photoshoot session with Raalhu Photo then enjoy a pampering couple’s treatment at our award-winning Duniye Spa. Later on, experience the wonder of dining on the beach under the stars.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate your time with us, a must-try experience is our Vow Renewal Ceremony. Re-affirm your love in a traditional ceremony against the backdrop of the sea as you commit to spending a lifetime of romance and adventure together.

Take advantage of our 20% special offer for your 2020 anniversary in the Maldives.

Posted on

Love At First Bite In Veligandu

On the island where sparks fly, every moment is a celebration of the best gift in the world: love. To elevate your holiday experience, our culinary team has put together as per monthly tradition, beach dining events that are sure to please. A serving of romance in the dreamiest setting, these occasions are the best way to make a special day more memorable and create timeless memories in paradise.

Our Bubbles and Lobster Dinner on September 19 and 29, pairs Italian Prosecco with an unlikely but delicious counterpart, the Maldivian lobster. The menu takes you on an exciting journey as you sample divine flavours, expertly prepared. Enjoy the delectable treats as you bury your feet in the sand, revelling in the cooling sea breeze and enjoying the sight of the beautiful sea.

Aptly titled, the Romantic Full Moon Dinner on September 14 is a delight for the senses. Relish mouth-watering treats under the starry sky, while the moon casts its reflection on the ocean. Make beautiful memories as you enjoy a pleasant night with your loved in tropical paradise.

Finally, on September 24, join us for our Madivaru Sunset Seafood Dinner. Watch the sunset paint the ocean in glorious colours, as you indulge in tasty seafood favourites including but not limited to, tuna nigiri, freshly caught red snapper, lagoon prawns and much more.

To reserve any of these dinners, kindly email reservations@veligandu.com.

Bon Appétit!

If you are still planning your visit, have a look at our current special offers.

Posted on

Spectacular Beach Dining Experiences In August

If you are on our beautiful shores this August, we have prepared some exceptional beach dining experiences that are a must-try. Served against the backdrop of the sea, these dinners are an opportunity to make amazing memories in Veligandu Island Resort & Spa.

Join us on August 1, 11 and 25, for our Madivaru Sunset Seafood Dinner, served on the beach outside Madivaru Restaurant. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, expertly prepared, and the stunning view of the sunset on display for you.

Our Bubbles & Lobster Dinner will be held on August 6, 20 and 30. Be our guest as we serve Italian Prosecco that complements the rich and vibrant flavours of the delicious items on the menu. Indulge in this wonderful meal as you take in the panoramic views of the sea.

The highlight of the month, the Romantic Full Moon Dinner, will be held on August 15. This dining affair in the romantic setting under the moon, by the beach, is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Save the dates and reserve these dinners by emailing reservations@veligandu.com.

Bon Appétit!

For those thinking of visiting our island later on, take advantage of our Early Bird Offer for stays in November and December 2019.

Posted on

Romantic Highlights In July

Voted as the number one hotel for romance in the Maldives, opportunities for romance abound in Veligandu Island Resort & Spa. All our offerings have been carefully crafted to provide you and your loved one a chance to connect, get closer and make special memories.

From an indulgent couple’s massage in our spa to a scenic cruise in a traditional dhoni (boat), our romantic experiences are famous for a reason. A particularly special highlight is our romantic beach dining events scheduled regularly. Read on for July beach dinners, bookmark them and join us.

On July 2 and 12, honour us with your presence at the Bubbles & Lobster Dinner. Prepared for your dining delight is an incredible menu that features the most exceptional ingredients paired with Italian Prosecco. Enjoy the lobster, prawns and more sited on the beach, with the expansive views of the sea ahead of you. Now that’s a taste of paradise.

On July 7, be our guest for our Madivaru Sunset Seafood Dinner. Featuring freshly caught seafood, expertly prepared, this dining experience allows you to enjoy culinary treats with the beautiful view of the sunset. As you dig into the tuna nigiri or the lagoon prawns, the sound of the waves lapping on the beach will serenade you.

On July 16, we will dine under the moon for our Romantic Full Moon Dinner. As the moon casts its glow on us, we will relish the flavourful meal, and celebrate all of life’s simple pleasures. Few things can compare to this one of a kind experience.

To reserve any of these dinners, kindly email reservations@veligandu.com.

Bon Appétit!

Take advantage of our special offer as you plan your visit to our romantic paradise.

Posted on

A Romantic Evening In Paradise

In Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, there are endless opportunities for romance and myriad ways to connect. Further, there are innumerable chances to enjoy the splendour of nature, be it from the deck of your villa, or by the beach. Our experiences are designed to provide the perfect occasions that bring you closer to your partner and nature.

Part of our romantic experiences, the ‘Bubbly Sunset Love Bed on the Beach’ is a delightful way to start your evening while in paradise. Set on the beach, settle in and get cosy while watching nature’s show in front of you. The setting sun paints a beautiful picture, leaving in its wake a colourful sky and a stunning reflection on the sea. As the sea breeze blows gently on your skin, sip on chilled champagne and toast to incredible moments shared in paradise.

To complement the view and the drinks, we have a canapés menu featuring cold bites and sweet bites, from which you can choose four items. This unforgettable experience is $149, but guests on our All Inclusive Plus Package get a special price of $120. After a wonderful evening, you may retire to your room or enjoy our evening entertainment.

On our special offers page, we have listed the latest offer available that you can take advantage of while you book your trip to our romantic haven.

X

book your stay

share