Sri Lankan Style Sambol Recipe
This fragrant and spicy Sri Lankan-style sambol is a perfect side dish to accompany your meals. With a rich blend of caramelized onions, aromatic spices, and the tangy punch of tamarind, this dish brings an irresistible flavor that pairs wonderfully with rice and curries. The process is simple yet rewarding, as it infuses your kitchen with the tantalizing scents of Sri Lanka.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (sliced) | 3 medium |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 cloves |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) | 1 pod |
| Red chili flakes | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (Per serving):
- Calories: Approx. 80 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Sodium: Varies (based on salt content)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Aromatics:
Begin by heating a little oil in a kadai or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Allow the spices to sizzle for a few seconds, releasing their oils and aroma. -
Add Curry Leaves:
Toss in the curry leaves, and allow them to sparkle and infuse the oil for a few more seconds. This step enhances the fragrance of the sambol and gives it a characteristic Sri Lankan flavor. -
Sautรฉ the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the pan and sprinkle with sugar. Stir-fry the onions over medium heat until they soften and start to turn golden brown. This caramelization process will deepen the flavor of the sambol and create a sweet and savory base. -
Spices & Chili:
Once the onions are well caramelized, add the red chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue sautรฉing for a minute or two, allowing the spices to blend with the onions. -
Add Tamarind Water:
Pour in 1 cup of tamarind water, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook on a gentle simmer until the liquid evaporates and the sambol thickens to a paste-like consistency. -
Final Touches:
When the sambol has thickened and the oil has separated from the mixture, turn off the heat. The sambol is now ready to serve. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Sri Lankan Style Sambol hot, alongside a hearty Sri Lankan chicken curry and steamed rice for an authentic and flavorful meal. It can also be paired with other curries, dals, or grilled meats, adding a zesty kick to your meal.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of red chili flakes can be adjusted based on your heat tolerance. You can even substitute with fresh chopped green chilies for a different flavor profile.
- Tamarind Water Substitute: If tamarind water is not available, you can use tamarind paste diluted with water, or in a pinch, lemon juice for some tang.
- Caramelization Tip: Be patient while caramelizing the onions. The slow browning process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which balances beautifully with the spiciness of the chili flakes.
Enjoy this Sri Lankan Style Sambol as part of a traditional Sri Lankan meal, or use it as a flavorful condiment to spice up your everyday dishes!
