SRI LANKAN SEENI SAMBOL RECIPE

An auspicious meal or a serving of crispy Sri Lankan hoppers is (almost) never complete without a side of Seeni Sambol. 

It is labor intensive because it needs a large amount of very thinly sliced or finely chopped onions. When these onions are cooked down, the quantity is reduced to half. And it is time consuming to make because of the need for constant supervision and stirring.

But in the end it is so worth it! 

To view this Seeni Sambol recipe video click here or copy and paste the following link in your browser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxy7jHlpGac

Some tips: 

• This Seeni Sambol can be kept for a few weeks. However, you will need to follow the procedure for putting this sambol in a sterilized the jar, if you wish to store it at room temperature for several weeks

• It keeps well in the refrigerator if you plan to use it up sooner. Store in a non-plastic container; preferably a glass jar

• Always use a clean, dry spoon when serving this Seeni Sambol

• Never touch or dip your finger into the Seeni Sambol at anytime! It will spoil quickly regardless of sterilizng the jar

•  Seeni Sambol can be re-heated in a microwave or stove-top as needed without affecting its quality 

• It is traditionally served at room temperature

Sri Lankan Seeni Sambol Recipe

Ingredients:

3 big onions (Very thinly sliced or finely chopped)

1/4 cup oil 

4 green cardamoms

4 cloves

1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 tablespoon sugar

A few curry leaves (optional)

Juice of 1/2 a medium-sized lime

Salt to taste

Method 

• Wilt the onions in a hot pan. Stir constantly to prevent it from caramalizing (about 5-8 minutes)

• Except the lime juice & sugar, add the rest of the ingredients & the oil.Reduce heat to medium-low (3 out of 10 heat setting)

• Scrape the pan and stir every 5 minutes throughout to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot & burning as it will give the seeni sambol a bitter taste

• Turn the heat down to low (2 out of 10 heat setting) and cook for 30 minutes uncovered

• At 30-minutes, check for salt & add the lime juice & mix well. Continue to cook for 10 to 15 more minutes 

• Turn off heat. Add the sugar & mix well

• Remove from heat immediately & allow to cool completely, uncovered.