Sri Lankan Chili Potatoes: A Fiery Vegan Delight
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, balanced spices, and satisfying meals. One such gem is the Sri Lankan Chili Potatoes, a popular dish enjoyed by many, especially when served as part of a traditional Sri Lankan spread. This recipe takes the humble boiled potato and elevates it to new heights with the fiery kick of red chili flakes, the warmth of cinnamon, and the aromatic infusion of garlic and curry leaves. Itโs a perfect vegan dish, packed with flavors that make it a stand-out accompaniment to any meal.
Overview
- Cuisine: Sri Lankan
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled | 500 grams |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic | 8 cloves, roughly pounded |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12% of daily value |
| Iron | 8% of daily value |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Potatoes
To begin, wash and pressure cook the potatoes for about 2 whistles, ensuring that they are soft but not falling apart. Once done, peel the skin and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Pounding the Garlic
In a traditional Sri Lankan style, roughly pound the garlic cloves using a pestle and mortar. This method releases the full flavor of the garlic, which infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma. Once pounded, set the garlic aside for later use.
3. Spice Infusion
Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, mustard seeds, and curry leaves to the hot oil. Let the mustard seeds crackle and the cinnamon and curry leaves release their rich aroma. This process, called tempering, is key to infusing the oil with deep flavors.
4. Sauteing the Aromatics
Add the freshly pounded garlic to the pan. Stir it around, letting it release its aroma and infuse into the hot oil. Immediately follow by adding the thinly sliced onions. Sautรฉ the onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, which brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
5. Adding the Spices
To the mixture of garlic and onions, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and red chili flakes. Stir everything together to coat the onions and garlic in the vibrant yellow and red spices. This combination gives the dish its signature color and heat. Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on your preference for spiciness.
6. Cooking the Potatoes
Now, gently add the boiled potato cubes to the pan. Toss them carefully to ensure that the potatoes are evenly coated with the aromatic spices. Season with salt to taste. Let the potatoes cook in the spice mix for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Finishing Touches
Once the potatoes are fully coated with the spices and have absorbed the flavors, add the lemon juice to give the dish a zesty, refreshing contrast. Stir it in and cook for another minute before turning off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
For an authentic Sri Lankan meal, serve the Sri Lankan Chili Potatoes alongside other traditional dishes such as:
- Kerala Matta Rice: A fragrant, short-grain rice that pairs perfectly with curries and sambols.
- Sri Lankan Dal: A comforting lentil dish cooked with spices and coconut milk.
- Sambol: A Sri Lankan chutney made from coconut, onions, and chili, providing a cool and spicy contrast to the potatoes.
- Sri Lankan Chicken Curry: A rich, spicy curry made with tender chicken and infused with aromatic spices.
Together, these dishes make for a vibrant and well-balanced Sri Lankan-inspired meal that is perfect for a weekend lunch or any special occasion.
Tips for the Best Sri Lankan Chili Potatoes
-
Adjust the Heat: The red chili flakes are what give this dish its spiciness, so feel free to adjust the quantity based on your personal spice tolerance. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.
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Curry Leaves: If you cannot find fresh curry leaves, you can substitute them with dried curry leaves, though the flavor may not be as intense.
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Adding Coconut Milk: For a richer, creamier version, you can add a little coconut milk to the spice mixture before adding the potatoes. This gives the dish a subtle sweetness that complements the heat.
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Other Vegetables: While this recipe focuses on potatoes, you can experiment by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional color and texture.
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Make it ahead: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat it in a pan and serve it again for a quick meal or lunch the next day.
Conclusion
Sri Lankan Chili Potatoes are a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with the right spices, can create a dish that is bursting with flavor. This vegan recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also delivers a taste of Sri Lankan culinary heritage right to your table. Serve it with other traditional dishes for a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether youโre celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a flavorful vegan dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
