Seeni Sambol (සීනි සම්බෝල)

A traditional and popular Sri Lankan condiment, Seeni Sambol is a sweet, spicy and tangy caramelized onion relish that is served and enjoyed with varieties of bread, milk rice and even hoppers and string hoppers too. Its texture is slightly jammy while it offers the perfect blend of sweet and savoury and is a definite must try if you are a fan of all things spicy.

Ingredients

• 500g finely sliced onions
• 2 - 4 tbsp of Chilli powder or chilli flakes
• A sprig of curry leaves
• A pandan leaf chopped into 1/2ʺ pieces
• 2ʺ Cinnamon bark
• About 5 cloves and cardamoms each
• About 5 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp tamarind pulp
• 2 - 3 tbsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 50g or a considerable quantity of Maldives fish (Umbalakada)

Preparation

1. Heat a pan with oil and add the spices, onions, curry leaves, pandan and the Maldives fish and sauté it till well caramelized.
2. Then add the tamarind pulp, sugar, and salt and cook for a few more minutes
3. Let it cool a bit and enjoy as a condiment with bread, hoppers or even rice
4. Note that you can amend the chilli and sugar quantities depending on your flavour palate.

Serving Suggestions

Seeni Sambol pairs beautifully with rice, string hoppers, or roti. It's also great as a spread on bread or as a side with various curries.