Best Sri Lankan Pol Sambol Recipe: A Quick & Flavorful Coconut Relish – By Malsha – eLanka
Pol Sambol (Coconut Sambol) is a traditional Sri Lankan side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. “Pol” means coconut in Sinhala, and “Sambol” refers to a spiced relish. This recipe blends shredded coconut with onions, chilies, spices, lemon juice, and salt for an easy yet authentic Sri Lankan dish.
Growing up in Sri Lanka, coconut grating was a family task. We used a traditional coconut scraper, and the fresh coconut was always the star of the meal. Now living abroad, I opt for frozen shredded coconut from Indian grocery stores, which works well for making Pol Sambol quickly.
Pol Sambol is fast to prepare and adds a vibrant, spicy kick to your meals. It’s one of the unofficial national dishes of Sri Lanka, perfect for pairing with rice, curries, and more.
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Why You’ll Love This Pol Sambol Recipe
- Quick to make – ready in just 10 minutes!
- Pairs with almost any meal.
- A beloved dish in Sri Lankan cuisine.
Ingredients for Pol Sambol
- Fresh or frozen shredded coconut
- Small tomato (optional)
- Small garlic clove (optional)
- Pearl onions or red onions
- Green chili
- Red chili powder
- Red chili flakes
- Black pepper powder
- Maldive fish flakes (optional)
- Lemon or lime juice
- Salt
Tips for Making the Perfect Pol Sambol
- Fresh coconut is best, but frozen shredded coconut works just as well.
- Add garlic for a garlicky kick, or omit if you prefer.
- Tomatoes add moisture and tang; reduce the lemon juice if you include them.
- Red onions are a must; avoid white onions for this dish.
- Use a mortar and pestle for authentic texture, or mix by hand if necessary.
- Maldive fish flakes (Umalakada) give the dish an umami flavor but can be left out for a vegetarian or vegan option.
How to Serve Pol Sambol
Pol Sambol complements almost any Sri Lankan dish:
- Curry – Try it with shrimp curry or dhal curry.
- String hoppers – A classic combination with chicken curry and sambol.
- Bread – Spread it on bread with butter or jam for a unique snack.
- The ultimate Sri Lankan meal – Hot rice, dhal curry, fried karawala (dry fish), and Pol Sambol.
