Discover the authentic taste of Sri Lanka with our Rice and Curry recipe. This quintessential Sri Lankan meal features fragrant rice served alongside an assortment of flavorful and spicy curries. Perfect for those who love bold and aromatic dishes, this recipe captures the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine with its vibrant spices and traditional preparation methods. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or looking to explore new culinary horizons, this Sri Lankan classic is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Rice:
- 2 cups Basmati or Jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
For the Curry:
Choose a combination of the following curries:
Chicken Curry:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Vegetable Curry:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beans, etc.)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Dhal Curry:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
For the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and oil.
- Add the rice to the boiling water and stir.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
For the Curry:
Chicken Curry:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt to taste.
Vegetable Curry:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Cook for a minute.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
Dhal Curry:
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds until they start to crackle.
- Add onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric powder, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are soft.
- Season with salt to taste.
Serving:
- Serve the rice alongside your choice of curry. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and enjoy this authentic Sri Lankan meal!
Nutritional value
2 cups Basmati or Jasmine rice
- Calories: 680 (340 calories per cup)
- Carbohydrates: 146g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 1g
Benefits: Provides a good source of energy and is low in fat. Basmati and Jasmine rice offer a fragrant aroma and are often less sticky.
4 cups water
- Calories: 0
Benefits: Essential for cooking the rice and hydration.
1 teaspoon salt
- Sodium: 2,300mg
Benefits: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.
1 tablespoon oil (optional)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 14g
Benefits: Adds richness and can enhance the texture of the rice. The type of oil used can affect its health benefits (e.g., olive oil for healthy fats).
For the Curry
Chicken Curry
500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- Calories: 750 (depending on the type and fat content)
- Protein: 80g
- Fat: 30g
Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
1 large onion, finely chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: ~2g
Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants beneficial for heart health.
2 tomatoes, chopped
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 9g
Benefits: Provides vitamins C and A. Supports immune health and skin.
2 tablespoons curry powder
- Calories: 20
Benefits: Adds flavor and provides a mix of spices with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Calories: 8
Benefits: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Calories: 6
Benefits: Adds heat and contains antioxidants. May boost metabolism.
1 teaspoon garam masala
- Calories: 6
Benefits: Adds a blend of spices that enhance flavor and may have health benefits due to its spice content.
1 cup coconut milk
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 48g
Benefits: Adds richness and a source of healthy fats. Contains vitamins and minerals.
2 tablespoons oil
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 28g
Benefits: Enhances flavor and provides additional fat for cooking.
Salt to taste
- Sodium: Varies
Benefits: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation.
Vegetable Curry
2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beans, etc.)
- Calories: 200 (depending on types and amounts)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
Benefits: Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Supports overall health and digestion.
1 large onion, finely chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Benefits: Adds flavor and antioxidants.
2 tablespoons curry powder
- Calories: 20
Benefits: Adds flavor and spice benefits.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Calories: 8
Benefits: Contains curcumin for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Calories: 6
Benefits: Provides heat and antioxidants.
1 cup coconut milk
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 48g
Benefits: Adds richness and healthy fats.
2 tablespoons oil
- Calories: ~240
- Fat: 28g
Benefits: Adds richness and aids in cooking.
Salt to taste
- Sodium: Varies
Benefits: Enhances flavor but use in moderation.
Dhal Curry
1 cup red lentils
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
Benefits: High in protein and fiber. Supports digestion and provides essential nutrients.
1 large onion, chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Benefits: Adds flavor and antioxidants.
2 tomatoes, chopped
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 9g
Benefits: Provides vitamins C and A.
2 tablespoons curry powder
- Calories: 20
Benefits: Adds flavor and spice benefits.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Calories: 8
Benefits: Contains curcumin.
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Calories: 8
Benefits: Adds flavor and supports digestion.
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Calories: 8
Benefits: Adds flavor and may aid digestion.
2 tablespoons oil
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 28g
Benefits: Adds richness and helps with cooking.
4 cups water
- Calories: 0
Benefits: Essential for cooking and hydration.
Salt to taste
- Sodium: Varies
Benefits: Enhances flavor.
Each curry variant provides a distinct flavor profile and nutritional benefits, making this a versatile and nutritious meal option.
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