Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish)

A traditional Sri Lankan coconut relish made with fresh coconut, aromatics, and spices. This vibrant condiment combines the sweetness of coconut with the heat of chilies and fragrant curry leaves.

6 servings
10 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole small onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 whole medium tomato
  • 5 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 whole green chilli
  • ¾ tsp chilli powder
  • 5 leaves fresh curry leaves
  • 200 g freshly grated coconut
  • 1 tsp Maldive fish
  • ½ whole lime juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place the onion, garlic, tomato, black peppercorns, green chilli, chilli powder and curry leaves in a food processor and blitz until you have a fine paste.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Place the paste in a medium bowl and add the coconut, Maldive fish (if using) and mix well by hand. Then add the lime juice and salt to taste, mixing well. A few crushed curry leaves can be used as a garnish. Pictured left.

    5 min