TASTE SOME SRI LANKAN FOOD

SRI LANKAN CURRY POWDER

In Sri Lankan Cooking, one of the main characteristics is that the spices are dark roasted. This gives them an aroma completely different from Indian Curries. So, be sure to use curry powder labeled Ceylon or Sri Lankan Curry Powder. If you cannot buy it ready made, here is a simple recipe.

1 cup coriander seeds

1/2 cup cummin seeds

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

1 cinnamon stick, about 5 cm(2 inches

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 taspoon cardamom seeds

2 tablespoons dried curry leaves

2 teaspoons chilli powder (optional)

2 tablespoons ground rice (optional)

In a dry pan over low heat roast separately the coriander, cummin, fennel and fenugreek, stirring constantly until each one becomes a fairly dark brown. Do not let them burn. Put into blender container together with cinnamon stick broken into pieces, the cloves, cardamom and curry leaves. Blend on high speed until finely powdered. Combine with chilli powder and ground rice if used. Store in an airtight jar.

HARAK MAS CURRY

(BEEF CURRY)

Serves 8 - 10

1.5 kg (3 lbs) stewing beef

3 tablespoons ghee or oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 tablespoons Sri Lankan Curry Powder

1 teaspoon ground tumeric 2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 fresh red chillies, seeded and chopped

3 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

Cut steak into 5 cm(2 inch) squares. Heat ghee in saucepan and gently fry onions, garlic and ginger until just beginning to turn golden. Add curry powder, tumeric, mustard seeds and fry over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add salt and vinegar and stir well. Add steak and fry, stirring to coat meat well. Add chillies and tomatoes, cover pan and simmer on very low heat for about 2 hours. Serve with rice and other accompaniments. If gravy is too thin when meat is tender, cook over high heat, uncovered, until reduced.

Great Links for Great Sri Lankan Food

Recipies for Some Sri Lankan Delights

Sri Lankan Recipes

Malini's Kitchen

Back to Imanie's Home Page