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Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Recipe | Authentic Traditional Lunch
Sri Lankan · Lunch

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Recipe | Authentic Traditional Lunch

Learn how to make Sri Lankan rice and curry with a variety of flavorful dishes including dhal, chicken curry, sambol, and vegetables. A complete traditional meal.

Prep
30 min
Cook
30 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium

Method

1

Fluffy Rice

Wash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice with the correct water ratio (about 1:2) over medium heat until soft and fluffy. Once cooked, keep it covered to stay warm.
2

Heat Main Curry

Prepare or reheat the chicken or fish curry on medium heat until it is hot and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Traditional Sri Lankan kitchen with clay curry pots over fire
3

Simmer Dhal

Cook the dhal curry separately by simmering lentils with spices, coconut milk, and seasoning until soft, creamy, and slightly thick in consistency.
4

Veggie Curry

Prepare a vegetable curry by cooking chopped vegetables with spices, coconut milk, and salt until tender but not mushy. The curry should have a rich aroma and balanced flavor.
5

Fresh Sambol

Make coconut sambol by mixing grated coconut with chili, onion, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to achieve a fresh, slightly spicy taste.
6

Sauté Mallung

Prepare mallung by lightly sautéing greens with grated coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves over low heat, keeping the texture slightly crisp.
7

Pro Tempering

Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Let them splutter to release aroma, then pour this tempering over the dhal or vegetable curry for extra flavor.
8

Center Rice

To serve, place a generous portion of rice in the center of a plate or banana leaf, spreading it slightly.
9

Arrange Curries

Arrange small portions of each curry around the rice, keeping them separate for a traditional presentation.

Authentic Sri Lankan lunch plate with red rice and various curries
10

Mixing Flavors

Mix the rice with different curries as you eat to enjoy a combination of flavors, textures, and spice levels.
11

Serve Warm

Serve warm for the best authentic Sri Lankan lunch experience.

Cook’s tips

  • For authentic flavor, use red rice (Kekulu) which is common in Sri Lanka.
  • Tempering (Themparaduwa) at the end is the secret to a professional aroma.
  • Adjust the chili in the sambol to your spice tolerance.

Recipe notes

Experience the ultimate comfort food of the Indian Ocean! Overhead shot of Sri Lankan rice and curry served on a traditional banana leaf

Explore more island delicacies like our Traditional Sri Lankan String Hoppers for a complete tropical feast!

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken/fish curry with another vegetable dish like beetroot or cashew curry.

What is Mallung?

Mallung is a traditional Sri Lankan dish of finely chopped greens mixed with shredded coconut and spices.

Pairs well with

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