As part of the ancient spice route, it only makes sense that Sri Lankan cuisine is complex in flavor and execution. Influenced by Asia and India, dishes are often the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, rich and light. As far as cooking Sri Lankan food: Much like the spice route itself, we suggest you start at the beginning and master the fundamentals. Once you learn how to steam basmati rice or balance a shrimp curry perfectly, you’ll be on your way to getting the cuisine as a whole.
Tuna Spring Roll Recipe
Culinary influences from Asia have led to the spring roll’s presence on many Sri Lankan menus. They can be filled with everything from pork to vegetables and are often sweetened with coconut milk.
Serves 10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb steamed tuna, deboned and flaked
A small Spanish onion, minced
1 carrot, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Coconut milk
20 spring roll wrappers
Vegetable oil for frying
Procedure
Place the tuna, carrot, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl and combine with a fork. Add just enough coconut milk so the mixture binds tightly. Place about one teaspoon of the filling into the center of each spring roll wrapper. Tuck the sides in and roll up, similar to a burrito. Seal the edges by dabbing them with water.
In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Add 4–6 rolls at a time, gently turning them so they are golden brown on all sides for about 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and serve immediately with yogurt sauce (recipe here).
Cooking Gadgets:
Cast-iron Griddle
Achieve those perfect flatbread blisters when cooking on a searing-hot cast-iron griddle.
Lodge Logic Round Griddle, $22.95, www.lodgemfg.com/
Stainless Steel Saute Pan
Since most Sri Lankan cooking is done on the stove, it’s wise to invest in a stainless steel pan.
All-Clad Saute Pan, $295, www.bloomingdales.com
Spice Rack
Each Sri Lankan dish contains at least two spices. Better start building your repertoire with this rotating rack.
Two-Tier Revolving Spice Rack, $22.95, www.williams-sonoma.com
