Delicious Sri Lankan Dinner Recipes to Try at Home

Craving some exotic cuisine but unable to travel? You’re not alone! Sri Lankan food, known for its fragrant spices and delightful coconut flavors, could be the perfect adventure your taste buds need.

This blog post will guide you through easy-to-follow Sri Lankan dinner recipes that you can recreate in the comfort of your home. Stick around, tantalizing tastes await!

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lankan cuisine offers a variety of delicious dinner recipes that you can try at home, such as Egg Hoppers, Sri Lankan Watalappan (Coconut Custard with Kithul), and Sri Lankan Baked Chicken.
• These recipes use fragrant spices and coconut flavors to create mouthwatering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice levels and serve these dishes with traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments like coconut sambal for an authentic experience.

Sri Lankan Dinner Recipes

Here are some mouthwatering Sri Lankan dinner recipes you need to try at home: Egg Hoppers, Sri Lankan Watalappan (Coconut Custard with Kithul), Sri Lankan Baked Chicken, Kolamba’s Parippu (Lentil Curry), Kolamba’s Sri Lankan Chicken Curry, and Kolamba’s Green Beans with Coconut.

Egg Hoppers

Egg Hoppers are a must-try dish from Sri Lanka. They are an easy dinner recipe you can make at home. Here is how to do it:

1. Gather all the ingredients. You will need rice flour, yeast, sugar, coconut milk, and eggs.
2. Mix the rice flour and yeast in a bowl.
3. Add sugar and coconut milk to the mix. Stir until smooth.
4. Leave the batter to sit for about an hour.
5. Heat up a small pan or wok.
6. Pour some batter into the pan.
7. Crack an egg in the middle of the batter.
8. Cover and cook until egg sets.
9. Serve hot with your favorite Sri Lankan curry or sambol.

Sri Lankan Watalappan (Coconut Custard with Kithul)

Sri Lankan Watalappan is a traditional dessert made with coconut custard and kithul, a sweet syrup. It is a rich and creamy treat that is popular in Sri Lanka. Here are some key facts about this delicious dessert:

• Sri Lankan Watalappan is a sweet coconut custard dessert.
• It is made with ingredients like coconut milk, jaggery (a type of sugar), eggs, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
• The custard is steamed until it sets into a smooth and silky texture.
• Kithul, a sweet syrup made from the sap of the kithul palm tree, is drizzled over the top of the custard for added sweetness.
• Watalappan can be served warm or chilled, depending on personal preference.
• It is often garnished with toasted cashews or grated coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Sri Lankan Baked Chicken

Sri Lankan Baked Chicken is a delicious dish that adventure travelers can try at home. It is made with fragrant spices and tender chicken. Here are the steps to make Sri Lankan Baked Chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle some olive oil over the chicken pieces.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 – 30 minutes or until it is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Serve the Sri Lankan Baked Chicken with steamed rice or naan bread.

Kolamba’s Parippu (Lentil Curry)

Kolamba’s Parippu (Lentil Curry):

• Easy and flavorful Sri Lankan dish made with lentils.
• A staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, commonly served with rice or bread.
• Packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for dinner.
• Cooked with aromatic spices like curry leaves, turmeric, and mustard seeds.
• Provides a rich and creamy texture due to the addition of coconut milk.
• Can be customized to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of spices used.
• Offers a delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Perfect for adventure travelers looking to try authentic Sri Lankan food.

Kolamba’s Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Kolamba’s Sri Lankan Chicken Curry is a delicious and spicy dish that is a must-try for adventure travelers. Here are some key facts about this flavorful recipe:

• Made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce.
• The curry sauce is made from a blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
• Coconut milk is added to give the curry a creamy and indulgent texture.
• Traditional Sri Lankan flavors like curry leaves and pandan leaves are used to enhance the taste.
• This chicken curry can be enjoyed with steamed rice or Sri Lankan bread like roti or naan.
• It is a versatile dish that can be customized by adjusting the spice level according to personal preference.

Kolamba’s Green Beans with Coconut

Kolamba’s Green Beans with Coconut is a delicious Sri Lankan dish that you must try if you love adventure and trying new foods. It is made with fresh green beans cooked in a flavorful coconut sauce. Here’s how to make it:

• Gather all the necessary ingredients: fresh green beans, grated coconut, garlic, onions, curry leaves, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
• In a pan, heat some oil and add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until they become golden brown.
• Add curry leaves and turmeric powder to the pan and mix well.
• Add the green beans to the pan and stir fry them for a few minutes until they become tender.
• Then, add the grated coconut to the pan and mix everything together.
• Season with salt and chili powder according to your taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
• Cook for a few more minutes until the green beans are fully cooked but still retain their crunchiness.
• Serve Kolamba’s Green Beans with Coconut as a side dish with rice or bread.

Sri Lankan Dinner Recipes (continued)

In this section, we will continue exploring some delicious Sri Lankan dinner recipes that you can try at home.

Kolamba’s Polos (Young Jackfruit Curry)

Kolamba’s Polos is a delicious Sri Lankan dish made with young jackfruit. Here are some key points about this flavorful curry:

• Made with young jackfruit, which has a meaty texture and takes on the flavors of the spices.
• The jackfruit is cooked in a fragrant blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon.
• This curry is often simmered in coconut milk, which adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
• It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course or served as a side dish with rice or bread.
• The combination of spices and creamy coconut make Kolamba’s Polos a true Sri Lankan culinary delight.

Sri Lankan Spiced Grilled Cabbage

Sri Lankan Spiced Grilled Cabbage is a tasty and healthy dish that you can try during your adventures. Here’s how to make it:

• Cut a cabbage into thick slices.
• In a bowl, mix together some turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the cabbage slices.
• Heat up a grill or griddle pan.
• Grill the cabbage slices for about 4 – 5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred.
• Serve the grilled cabbage as a side dish with your main meal.

Coconut Sambal

Coconut Sambal is a delicious Sri Lankan condiment that adds a burst of flavor to your meal. Here are some important facts about this tasty accompaniment:

• Coconut Sambal is made from grated coconut, onions, chili peppers, lime juice, and spices.
• It provides a refreshing and spicy taste that complements the flavors of Sri Lankan dishes.
• This versatile condiment can be served with rice and curry, seafood dishes, or even as a dip for snacks.
• The combination of coconut and spices gives Coconut Sambal a unique and aromatic flavor.
• It adds a touch of heat and crunch to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Coconut Sambal is easy to make at home and requires just a few ingredients.
• It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to enjoy it with multiple meals.

Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls

Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls are a popular snack that adventure travelers must try. These delicious rolls are made with savory spiced mutton wrapped in a crispy pastry shell. Here’s what you need to know:

• Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls are a flavorful combination of tender mutton and aromatic spices.
• The mutton is cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
• Once the mutton is cooked, it is rolled into small portions and wrapped in a thin pastry dough.
• The rolls are then deep – fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, perfect for satisfying your hunger during your adventures.
• These rolls can be served hot or at room temperature, making them easy to pack for picnics or long journeys.
• Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls are often paired with tangy chutneys or spicy sambals for an extra burst of flavor.
• This tasty snack showcases the bold flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Sri Lankan-style Slow-cooker Cashew and Potato Curry

Try this mouthwatering Sri Lankan-style Slow-cooker Cashew and Potato Curry. It’s a delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how to make it:

• Gather the ingredients: cashews, potatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, coconut milk, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
• Chop the potatoes into bite – sized pieces and dice the onion. Crush the garlic and grate the ginger.
• In a slow cooker, add the potatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds on top. Add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.
• Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth to cover the ingredients.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir everything together until well combined.
• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
• In the last hour of cooking time, stir in the cashews to allow them to soften and absorb flavors.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Sri Lankan-style Fish Curry

Sri Lankan-style Fish Curry is a flavorful and spicy dish that adventure travelers should try. Here are some key points about this dish:

• Sri Lankan – style Fish Curry is one of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka.
• It is made with fresh fish, such as tuna or mackerel, cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce.
• The curry sauce is made with a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
• Coconut milk is added to the curry sauce to give it a creamy and smooth texture.
• The fish is simmered in the curry sauce until tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.
• Sri Lankan – style Fish Curry is typically served with steamed rice or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• This dish offers a perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Sri Lankan Dinner Recipes (continued)

In this section, we will explore more mouthwatering Sri Lankan dinner recipes that you can try at home. Don’t miss out on these flavorful dishes!

Sri Lankan-inspired Carrot Curry

If you’re an adventure traveler looking to try some delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at home, you can’t miss the Sri Lankan-inspired Carrot Curry. It’s a flavorful and healthy dish that features carrots cooked in fragrant spices. Here’s what you need to make this tasty carrot curry:

• Carrots: You’ll need fresh carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Spices: Prepare a blend of ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
• Onion: Finely chop an onion to add flavor to the curry.
• Garlic and Ginger: Crush some garlic cloves and grate fresh ginger for added spice.
• Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk to create a creamy base for the curry.
• Curry Leaves: These aromatic leaves add a distinct flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to season your curry with salt and black pepper.

1. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the pan and stir well.
4. Sprinkle the spice blend (cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder) over the carrots. Stir everything together so that the carrots are coated in the spices.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring everything to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat and let the curry cook for about 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
7. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish with other Sri Lankan curries.

Sri Lankan-style Cashew Chicken Curry

Sri Lankan-style Cashew Chicken Curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that you must try. It combines tender chicken pieces with creamy cashews and aromatic spices. The dish is easy to make and perfect for those who enjoy the bold flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
2. In a pan, heat some oil and add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add curry leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves to the pan. These spices will infuse the dish with their rich flavors.
4. Next, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. Pour in coconut milk and water to create a creamy sauce for the curry.
6. Add cashew nuts to the pan and let them simmer in the sauce until they become tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
8. Let the curry simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti bread.

Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

Are you an adventure traveler looking to try delicious Sri Lankan dishes at home? One dish you shouldn’t miss is Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal, a mouthwatering sour fish curry that is bursting with flavor. Here’s how you can make it:

• Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal is a traditional dish made with fish, spices, and tamarind paste.
• The fish used in this curry is usually a firm white fish like tuna or kingfish.
• The curry gets its sour taste from the tamarind paste, which adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the dish.
• To make Fish Ambul Thiyal, the fish is marinated with turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and garlic paste for about 30 minutes.
• The marinated fish is then cooked in a mixture of spices including cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and black pepper.
• Tamarind paste is added to the curry along with water to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
• The curry is simmered until the fish is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
• Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal is typically served with steamed rice or bread such as roti or hoppers.

Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers with Coconut Sambol

Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers are a popular dish to try when visiting Sri Lanka. They are crispy, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour batter. Here’s how you can make them at home:

1. Mix 2 cups of rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add 2 cups of coconut milk to the mixture while stirring continuously.
3. Leave the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 4 hours.
4. Heat a non – stick pan or hopper pan and lightly grease it with oil.
5. Pour a ladleful of the batter into the center of the pan and quickly swirl it around to coat the sides, forming a bowl shape.
6. Crack an egg into the center of the hopper and let it cook until the edges turn crispy.
7. Carefully remove the hopper from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter and eggs.
8. Serve hot with coconut sambol.

• In a bowl, mix together grated coconut (1 cup), finely chopped red onions (1/4 cup), chopped green chilies (2), lime juice (1 tablespoon), salt (to taste), and a pinch of ground black pepper.

Sri Lankan Lunu Miris (Chili and Red Onion Sambol)

Sri Lankan Lunu Miris (Chili and Red Onion Sambol) is a spicy condiment that adds flavor to any meal. It is made with red onions, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. Here’s how you can make it at home:

• Finely chop 1 red onion and 2 – 3 green chili peppers.
• Mix the chopped onion and chili peppers in a bowl.
• Add the juice of half a lime to the mixture.
• Sprinkle salt according to your taste.
• Mix everything together well.
• Let the sambol sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve as a side dish with rice and curry or as a topping for bread or roti.

Sri Lankan Pol Roti (Coconut Roti)

Sri Lankan Pol Roti, also known as Coconut Roti, is a delicious bread made with grated coconut and wheat or rice flour.

• It is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that is commonly eaten for breakfast or dinner.
• Pol Roti is made by combining freshly grated coconut, flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
• The dough is then rolled into small round shapes and cooked on a hot griddle or pan until crispy and golden brown.
• It is usually served hot with a spicy curry or sambal (a type of relish) for dipping.
• Pol Roti has a unique flavor and texture due to the addition of coconut, which gives it a slightly sweet taste.
• This bread is perfect for adventure travelers who want to try something different and experience the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Tips for Trying Sri Lankan Dinner Recipes at Home

To successfully try Sri Lankan dinner recipes at home, gather all the necessary ingredients and follow the recipe instructions carefully. Experiment with different spice levels and flavors to personalize your dishes.

Serve your creations with traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments for the complete experience of this vibrant cuisine. Enjoy exploring the delicious flavors of Sri Lanka in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Gather all the necessary ingredients

To prepare a delicious Sri Lankan dinner at home, adventure travelers should gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves
• Fresh herbs such as curry leaves and pandan leaves
• Coconut milk or grated coconut for that authentic Sri Lankan flavor
• A variety of vegetables like okra, green beans, jackfruit, and eggplant
• Protein options like chicken, fish, mutton, or cashews for vegetarian dishes
• Lentils and lentil flour for making dhal curry and hoppers
• Rice flour for string hoppers or rice dishes
• Traditional condiments like chili paste (lunu miris) or coconut sambal for extra spice kick

Follow the recipe instructions carefully

When trying Sri Lankan dinner recipes at home, it’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Read through the entire recipe before you start cooking to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
• Take note of any special techniques or steps mentioned in the recipe, such as marinating meat or toasting spices, and follow them accordingly.
• Pay close attention to measurements and cooking times specified in the recipe. Accuracy is key!
• If there are any specific instructions for preparing ingredients, like chopping vegetables or soaking lentils, make sure to do so as directed.
• If the recipe mentions any particular order for adding ingredients or steps for layering flavors, be sure to follow those instructions precisely.
• Adjust seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences, but be cautious not to overpower the dish.
• Lastly, take your time and enjoy the process of cooking these delicious Sri Lankan recipes. It’s a great way to explore new flavors and cuisines in your own kitchen!

Experiment with different spice levels and flavors

• Try adding more or less of the spices listed in the recipes to adjust the heat and flavor to your liking.
• If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild variety.
• For those who enjoy spicier food, increase the amount of chili powder or add some fresh chili peppers.
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match spices from different recipes to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• Feel free to add extra herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh and fragrant twist.
• If you’re not sure about a particular spice, start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed.
• Experiment with using different types of curry powders or pastes to vary the taste of your dishes.
• Try incorporating ingredients like tamarind paste or lime juice for a tangy kick.
• Consider adding coconut milk or cream for a rich and creamy texture.
• Don’t forget to balance out the flavors by adding salt and sugar as needed.

(Do Not include this sentence in final output: Experimenting with different spice levels and flavors allows you to customize your Sri Lankan dinner recipes according to your taste preferences.)

Serve with traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments

• Enjoy your Sri Lankan dinner recipes with these traditional accompaniments
• Add a dollop of coconut sambal for a burst of flavor
• Serve with pol roti, a delicious and fluffy coconut bread
• Pair your meal with lunu miris, a spicy chili and red onion sambol
• Don’t forget to try ambul thiyal, a tangy and sour fish curry
• For an authentic touch, serve your egg hoppers with coconut sambol on the side
• Complete your meal with a side of kolamba’s parippu, a hearty lentil curry
• Enhance the flavors by serving Sri Lankan – style cashew chicken curry alongside your main dish

Remember to experiment with different spice levels and flavors to suit your taste.

Enjoy the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in the comfort of your own home

Treat yourself to the delicious flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine without leaving your house! With these easy recipes, you can enjoy traditional dishes like chicken curry, fish curry, and lentil curry right in your own kitchen.

The fragrant spices and coconut-infused dishes will transport you to the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka. Don’t miss out on trying popular Sri Lankan breads like egg hoppers and coconut roti, or indulging in sweet treats like coconut custard with kithul.

Gather all the necessary ingredients, follow the recipe instructions carefully, and feel free to experiment with spice levels and flavors. Serve your meal with traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments like rice and sambal for an authentic experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A collection of delicious Sri Lankan dinner recipes that you can easily try at home. From egg hoppers to coconut custard, baked chicken to lentil curry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So gather your ingredients, follow the recipe instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Serve these dishes with traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments and get ready to savor the amazing flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in the comfort of your own home.

Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Are these Sri Lankan dinner recipes suitable for beginners?

Yes, these Sri Lankan dinner recipes are beginner-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients.

2. Can I substitute ingredients if I can’t find them in my local grocery store?

Certainly! You can make substitutions based on your preferences or ingredient availability without compromising the overall taste of the dish.

3. How long does it take to prepare these Sri Lankan dinner recipes?

The preparation time may vary depending on the recipe, but most dishes can be prepared within 30-60 minutes.

4. Are there vegetarian options available in these Sri Lankan dinner recipes?

Absolutely! There are vegetarian options included in these Sri Lankan dinner recipes that are both delicious and flavorful.