🥥 Sri Lankan Pol Sambol Recipe




Ingredients:

  • Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup

  • Red chili powder – 1½ tbsp (adjust to taste)

  • Red onions / shallots (small onions) – 4 to 5, finely chopped

  • Maldive fish (umbalakada) – 1 tbsp (optional but adds authentic flavor)

  • Lime juice – 1½ tbsp

  • Salt – to taste

(Optional: You can add 1 small green chili for extra heat.)

Method:

Step 1 — Grind the Ingredients

  1. In a mortar & pestle or a grinder, add:

    • Chopped red onions

    • Red chili powder

    • Salt

    • Maldive fish (if using)

  2. Grind until you get a smooth, slightly coarse paste.

Step 2 — Add Coconut

  1. Add the grated coconut to the mixture.

  2. Gently mix and grind until the coconut absorbs the chili mixture evenly.

Step 3 — Add Lime Juice

  1. Finally, add the lime juice and mix well.

  2. Taste and adjust salt or chili as needed.

Serving Suggestions 🍛

  • Serve pol sambol with:

    • Rice and curry

    • Kiribath (milk rice)

    • String hoppers (idiyappam)

    • Hoppers (appa)

    • Paratha, roti, or bread

Tips for the Best Pol Sambol ✅

  • Always use freshly grated coconut for the best taste.

  • Use small red onions for authentic Sri Lankan flavor.

  • Maldive fish gives a rich umami taste — highly recommended.

  • Add lime at the end to keep the sambol fresh and tangy.