Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of flavors and spices from various cuisines across South Asia, with rice and curry being the staple dish. The recipe includes basmati rice, water, vegetable oil, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cardamom pods, bay leaf, meat or vegetables, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. To prepare, rinse the rice, then boil it for 18-20 minutes on low heat. For the curry, sauté the onions, garlic and ginger in oil, then add spices and meat/vegetables before pouring in coconut milk. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, then add salt and pepper before serving with rice.

Rice, Curry, and More: Exploring Sri Lankan Cuisine

Introduction

Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of flavors and spices that is influenced by various cuisines across South Asia. It incorporates aromatic spices, coconut milk, and rice, among many other ingredients. Rice and Curry is the staple dish of Sri Lankan cuisine that comes in many variations.

In this article, we will explore the various flavors and aromas of Sri Lankan cuisine and share a step-by-step recipe for Sri Lankan Rice and Curry.

Ingredients

For Rice:

– 2 cups of Basmati rice
– 4 cups of water

For Curry:

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon of curry powder
– 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 cardamom pods
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 pound of meat or vegetables of your choice (we recommend chicken, beef, shrimp, or eggplant for vegetarian option)
– 1 can of coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Step-By-Step Guide

Preparing the Rice:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a bowl until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the rice and stir well.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
5. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Preparing the Curry:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pot on medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add curry powder, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and let it cook for another minute.
4. Add your choice of meat or vegetables to the pot and stir well, making sure they are coated with the spices.
5. Add the can of coconut milk to the pot and stir again.
6. Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the meat or vegetables are cooked, and the sauce has thickened.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors and aromas that will take your taste buds on a journey through South Asia. Rice and Curry is the staple dish of Sri Lankan cuisine with endless variations to choose from. With this step-by-step guide and recipe, you can now explore Sri Lankan cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen. Bon appétit!