Sri Lankan Cuisine
- Iresh M
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant and diverse mix of flavors, influenced by the island's rich history, geography, and culture. The food is characterized by the use of aromatic spices, coconut, rice, and a variety of fresh vegetables and seafood. Here are some key elements and popular dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine:
Key Ingredients
Rice: A staple in most meals, often served with curries and sambols.
Coconut: Used in various forms, including grated, milk, and oil, adding richness to dishes.
Spices: Common spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and turmeric.
Seafood: Fresh fish and shellfish are widely consumed due to the island's coastal location.
Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables are used, often in curries or stir-fries.
Popular Dishes
Rice and Curry: A traditional meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including meat, fish, and vegetable curries.
Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with a runny egg in the center.
Kottu Roti: Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meats, seasoned with spices.
Pol Sambol: A spicy coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, and onion, commonly served as a condiment.
Dhal Curry: A lentil-based curry that is a staple in many households, often flavored with spices and coconut milk.
Street Food
Vadai: Deep-fried lentil fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Fish Cutlets: Spiced fish mixed with potatoes, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.
Short Eats: A variety of savory pastries and snacks, often enjoyed with tea.
Conclusion
Sri Lankan cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors and textures, reflecting the country's cultural diversity and agricultural abundance. Whether enjoyed at home or from street vendors, the food is an integral part of Sri Lankan life and hospitality.
1
Tip
Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.
2
Variation
Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.
Notes
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and saute until golden brown.
2
Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for a minute until fragrant.
3
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and curry leaves. Fry the spices gently for 2 minutes to release their aromas.
4
Add the chicken pieces to the pan, and mix well to coat with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green chilies, and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
6
Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the curry cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7
Season with salt to taste and stir in the lime juice just before serving to enhance the flavors. Remove from heat.
8
Serve the Sri Lankan chicken curry hot with steamed rice or flatbread.
Instructions
1.5 lbs (700g) chicken, cut into pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, minced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
Main Ingredients
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
6-8 curry leaves
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 cardamom pods
Spices
1 cup coconut milk
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, sliced
Salt, to taste
Other
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Head Chef
Sarah Baker
A flavorful and aromatic chicken curry infused with traditional Sri Lankan spices and coconut milk, offering a taste of the tropics in every bite.
Servings :
4
Calories:
350
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
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