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5.0 from 6 votes

Pol Sambol

Pol sambol is a traditional Sri Lankan condiment prepared with freshly grated coconut, chili pepper and red onion. It is most often used as an accompaniment with rice, string hoppers, hoppers, as well as other dishes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Asian , Sri Lankan , Vegan

Ingredients

  • ½ fresh coconut ,grated (about ½ lb/250g), (or ½ lb/250g frozen grated coconut)
  • 6 small red dried chili peppers (or 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 6 small Bombay onions or 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Maldive fish chips (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
Equipment
  • Mortar and pestle

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Using a large mortar and pestle (or working in batches in a smaller mortar and pestle), grind the dried red chilies with the salt and sugar into a fine paste until there are no chili seeds visible in the paste.
  2. Then, add the Maldive fish chips (optional), and grind a little more.
  3. Next, add the freshly shredded coconut to combine with the paste. The whole idea at this stage is to get the coconut to absorb the flavor and get the color of the chili paste.
  4. Finely, add the diced red onions. Grind a couple more minutes until obtaining a paste with enough texture.
  5. Add the juice of the lime, mix well, and serve.