Ashwin Rajagopalan | Updated: September 24, 2019 11:30 IST
The ingredients used in all these Sri Lankan curries are easily available in market.
Colombo's sunsets might be legendary but I could sense a renewed optimism as I touched down in the Sri Lankan capital just after sunrise. Even before I checked into my room at the Movenpick Hotel Colombo, I headed straight to AYU, the hotel's all-day diner. I couldn't wait to dig into a hopper (appam), one of my favourite staples in Sri Lanka. I was greeted by more than steaming hot hoppers. Chef Meththa Ekanayake, the hotel's Executive Sous Chef and Sri Lankan cuisine expert had put together an exhaustive Sri Lankan food (meal) that included string hoppers (idiappam), pittu (Puttu in Kerala) and a range of flavourful curries. I'm a big fan of dals and lentil-based curries. That list also includes the Sri Lankan dal curry. There are very few curries that are so versatile - you will find this at breakfast, lunch and dinner tables in homes across the country. It works equally well with rice and Sri Lankan staples like hoppers and string hoppers. One of the distinctive elements in this dish is the coconut milk.
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One of my discoveries during this recent trip to Colombo was the brinjal pahi (or pahie). It's one of those rare dishes that combines a myriad flavour profiles from sweet to tangy to bitter. Just like some of the dishes in Goa, the use of vinegar sets this dish apart. It also works equally well with rice or other Sri Lankan or Indian staples like a dosa or even rotis.
(Also Read: Colombo's Best Restaurants: 5 Must-Try Places To Eat In Sri Lankan Capital)
Sri Lankan Dal Curry
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It's a humid day in Galle, one of Sri Lanka's most idyllic towns but that doesn't deter my enthusiasm. I've hopped two markets - Galle's fish market and compact, yet busy vegetable market with Nihal Senanayake. He's the Executive Chef of the Jetwing Lighthouse, one of Galle's most charming beachside resorts. He knows these markets like the back of his hand; he grew up in this historic town. Our conversation eventually drifted towards comfort food, simple home-style recipes. The kind of dishes a Chef might cook up on an off day. An hour later we were in his kitchen, cooking an earthy prawn curry.
(Also Read: Watalappan - Sri Lanka's Most Famous Dessert)
Sri Lankan Brinjal Pahi
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The ingredients used in all the above-listed Sri Lankan curries are easily available in market. So just go ahead and make for yourself these delectable delights and enjoy a perfect comfort meal.
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About Ashwin RajagopalanI am the proverbial slashie - a content architect, writer, speaker and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually the beginning of our culinary discoveries.That curiosity hasn’t waned. It’s only got stronger as I’ve explored culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants across the world. I’ve discovered cultures and destinations through culinary motifs. I am equally passionate about writing on consumer tech and travel.