Sri Lankan cuisine has plenty to offer, from aromatic curries to savoury rice dishes. Unfortunately, its diverse range of flavours have not always been given the attention it deserves. One such recipe is the delicious Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry, a spicy and sour dish that is perfect for those who like an extra kick when it comes to their dinner. If you’re looking to add a little extra heat to your next meal, then this is the perfect dish for you.
What is Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry?
Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry is native to Sri Lanka and is a zesty and flavourful curry that is made with fish. The curry is made with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and fenugreek, giving it a unique taste and aroma. In addition to the blend of spices, the curry is also made with a souring agent such as tamarind or dhal. The sourness gives the dish a unique flavour and balances out the heat from the spices.
How to Make Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry
This dish is quite easy to make, but it does require a few ingredients that you may not have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1kg (2lb) firm-fleshed fish, such as snapper or cod
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground fenugreek
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 tablespoons tamarind concentrate
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen grated coconut
To begin, heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, black pepper, turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon and cardamom. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and the spices are fragrant.
Add the fish and cook for about 10 minutes, turning it once during cooking. Once the fish is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and add the tamarind concentrate, chilli powder, salt, and grated coconut. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve the Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry with boiled basmati rice or a side of freshly cooked chapattis.
Variations on the Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of variations on the Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry. Here are a few ideas:
- For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with firm-textured vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or mushrooms.
- A milder version can be made by omitting the chilli powder.
- For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of jaggery (unrefined sugar) to the curry.
Conclusion
Ambul Thiyal Fish Curry is a delicious and flavoursome dish that is sure to liven up any meal. With its unique blend of spices, souring agents and chilli powder, this dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
