Coconut Sambol (පොල් සම්බෝල)

  

Sri Lankan pol sambol which is a coconut sambol is a must have quintessential dish during your travels to Sri Lanka. However, if you want to have a taste of it in the comfort of your home, we give you a simple recipe that is easy to prepare. You will be able to taste a combination of spice, tanginess, and a slight sweetness from the coconut. Pol sambol is usually a quick fix during breakfast in many Sri Lankan homes while you can enjoy it with some red rice and dhal curry, pol roti, string hoppers or even some good old fashioned bread.

Best results can be yielded using the Mortar and pestle or a traditional Sri Lankan grinding stone known as the 'Miris Gala'

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups of freshly grated coconut
• 2 tsp chilli flakes
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
• Maldives fish chips (optional)
• 1 medium sized onion chopped
• 2 tsp of lime juice

Method

• Add chilli flakes, chilli powder and salt together and pound it to coarse mixture using the mortar and pestle. You can add the Maldives fish too if required.
• Then add the chopped onion and pound it to a coarse paste. Do not grind it too much as onions tend to get bitter.
• Now add your shredded coconut and pound it again so that all are mixed well.
• Finally add the lime juice and mix it well while pounding. Taste and adjust the salt and lime accordingly and enjoy.