Must-Try Dishes and Recipes

1. Rice and Curry – The Heart of Sri Lankan Meals

Rice and curry is the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cuisine. A typical meal consists of a generous serving of rice accompanied by an array of curries, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The curries are rich, flavorful, and spiced to perfection. Among the popular choices are chicken curry, fish curry, dhal curry (lentil curry), and brinjal moju (spicy eggplant pickle).

• • • Recipe: Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

– 500g chicken pieces
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 sprig curry leaves
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2-3 green chilies, slit
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon coriander powder
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
            2. Add garlic, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Stir well.
            3. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
            4. Add the chicken pieces, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the chicken changes color.
            5. Pour in the coconut milk and add the cinnamon stick.
            6. Simmer until the chicken is tender, and the curry thickens. Season with salt to taste.

2. Hoppers – A Unique Sri Lankan Delight

Hoppers, or “aappa” in Sinhala, are a unique and beloved Sri Lankan specialty. These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented rice flour or rice batter and are a popular breakfast dish. Hoppers are incredibly versatile and can be served with various accompaniments like egg hoppers (biththara appa), milk hoppers (kiri appa), or even sweet jaggery-filled hoppers (pani appa).

• • • Recipe: Sri Lankan Hoppers

Ingredients:

– 2 cups rice flour
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon yeast
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water with sugar and set it aside until it froths.
            2. In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, coconut milk, salt, and the yeast mixture.
            3. Allow the batter to ferment for about 3-4 hours or overnight.
            4. Heat a hopper pan and grease it lightly. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, swirling it to form a bowl shape.
            5. Cover and cook until the edges are crisp, and the center is slightly runny.

3. String Hoppers – Delicate Noodles of Sri Lanka

String hoppers, or “idiyappam,” are delicate, thin noodles made from rice flour. They are traditionally served as a breakfast dish or for dinner, paired with an assortment of curries and sambols. String hoppers are steamed, making them a healthier alternative to rice and an excellent gluten-free option.

• • • Recipe: String Hoppers

Ingredients:

– 2 cups rice flour
– 1 cup hot water
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour and salt.
            2. Gradually add hot water while stirring until you have a soft, pliable dough.
            3. Load a string hopper press with the dough.
            4. Squeeze the dough through the press onto small, round mats.
            5. Steam the string hoppers for 5-7 minutes.

4. Kottu Roti – The Sri Lankan Street Food Sensation

Kottu roti is the Sri Lankan answer to fast food. It’s a beloved street food made by stir-frying godhamba roti (a type of flatbread) with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. The dish is cooked on a hot griddle with an impressive rhythmic chopping technique that’s become an integral part of its preparation.

• • • Recipe: Sri Lankan Kottu Roti

Ingredients:

– 2 godhamba roti (or tortillas as a substitute)
– 1 cup vegetables (cabbage, carrots, leeks, bell peppers)
– 200g chicken, beef, or seafood
– 2 eggs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2-3 tablespoons kottu spice mix (a blend of Sri Lankan spices)
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Chop the roti into small pieces.
            2. Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic.
            3. Add the meat or seafood and cook until it’s done.
            4. Push the meat to the side and scramble the eggs.
            5. Add vegetables and stir-fry.
            6. Mix in the roti and kottu spice blend. Cook until everything is well combined.
            7. Season with salt and serve hot.

5. Sri Lankan Desserts – A Sweet Conclusion

No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Sri Lanka boasts a range of delectable desserts. Watalappan, a coconut custard, and milk toffee, a fudge-like sweet treat, are just a couple of the many delights you can savor.

• • • Recipe: Sri Lankan Watalappan

Ingredients:

– 4 large eggs
– 200g jaggery (or dark brown sugar)
– 400ml coconut milk
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A pinch of nutmeg
– A pinch of salt
– 2 tablespoons cashew nuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. In a pan, melt the jaggery with a little water until it becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
            2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add coconut milk, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
            3. Gradually add the cooled jaggery syrup and strain the mixture.
            4. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes.
            5. Garnish with cashew nuts and steam for about 30 minutes.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful exploration of flavors and culinary traditions that reflect the island’s heritage and diversity. These recipes offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of tastes and textures that make Sri Lankan food an unforgettable experience. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure to discover the unique and delicious world of Sri Lankan cuisine in your own kitchen.