Lavariya Recipe: A Traditional Sri Lankan Delicacy – By Nadeeka – eLanka Lavariya is a beloved traditional Sri Lankan sweet treat that perfectly balances the flavors of sweet coconut and jaggery wrapped in a soft, steamed string hopper (Idiyappam). This delicate and aromatic dessert is often enjoyed during tea time, festive occasions, or as a delightful snack. Lavariya’s unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a favorite among Sri Lankans of all ages. Here’s how you can make this delicious dessert at home. Ingredients For the Coconut Filling: 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated) ½ cup jaggery (Kithul or Palm jaggery), grated or finely chopped ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional) A pinch of salt 1-2 tablespoons water For the String Hoppers (Idiyappam): 2 cups rice flour (or store-bought Idiyappam flour) 2 cups water A pinch of salt 1 tablespoon coconut oil Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Filling ...

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Seeni Sambal (Sri Lankan Sweet Onion Relish) – By Malsha – eLanka   Seeni Sambal (Sri Lankan Sweet Onion Relish) is a popular condiment in Sri Lankan cuisine. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy, usually served with rice, hoppers, or bread. Here’s a simple recipe for Seeni Sambal: Ingredients: 500g onions (preferably red onions, thinly sliced) 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut oil) 1-2 tablespoons Maldive fish flakes (optional) 2-3 dried red chilies 1-2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 2-3 tablespoons sugar (jaggery works best) Salt to taste Curry leaves (a small handful) 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches) 3-4 cloves of garlic (sliced) 1 small piece of pandan leaf (optional) Instructions: Prepare the onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions. Set aside. Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and ...

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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, ...

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