Sri Lankan Recipes: A Taste Of The Island Paradise

Dwy hesti

August 26, 2023

Introduction

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island paradise located in the Indian Ocean. Known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is also famous for its delicious cuisine. Sri Lankan food is a unique blend of spices, flavors, and textures, influenced by the country's diverse cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Sri Lankan recipes that you can try at home.

Ingredients

Sri Lankan cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables. The following ingredients are commonly used in Sri Lankan cooking:

Curry leaves
Cinnamon sticks
Cardamom pods
Cloves
Cumin seeds
Coriander seeds
Turmeric powder
Coconut milk
Chili powder
Fenugreek seeds
Ginger
Garlic
Onions
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper

Instructions

Hoppers

Hoppers are a popular Sri Lankan breakfast dish. To make hoppers, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup rice flour
1 cup coconut milk
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut milk, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well and let the batter rest for 30 minutes. 2. Heat a hopper pan over medium heat. Add a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly. 3. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to crisp up and the center is set. 4. Serve hot with a spicy sambal or coconut chutney.

Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a staple Sri Lankan dish, made with a unique blend of spices and coconut milk. To make chicken curry, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
1 onion, sliced
2 green chilies, sliced
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
4-5 curry leaves
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the onions, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Saute until the onions turn golden brown. 2. Add the chicken pieces and saute until they are lightly browned. 3. Add the chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, curry leaves, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. 4. Add the coconut milk and bring the curry to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. 5. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Lentil Curry

Lentil curry, also known as dhal curry, is a simple yet delicious Sri Lankan dish. To make lentil curry, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup red lentils
1 onion, sliced
2 green chilies, sliced
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 curry leaves
2 cups water
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

1. Wash the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes. 2. Heat oil in a pan and add the onions, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Saute until the onions turn golden brown. 3. Add the chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, curry leaves, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. 4. Add the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked through. 5. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Nutrition

Sri Lankan cuisine is generally healthy and nutritious, as it uses fresh ingredients and minimal oil. Here are the approximate nutritional values for the above recipes:

Hoppers

Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 100mg

Chicken Curry

Calories: 300
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg

Lentil Curry

Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg

Conclusion

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious blend of spices, flavors, and textures that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are a fan of meat dishes or vegetarian fare, there is something for everyone in Sri Lankan cuisine. So why not take a culinary journey to this exotic island paradise and try out some of these amazing recipes? You won't be disappointed!