Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its complex flavors and techniques, influenced by Asian and Indian cuisines due to its location on the ancient spice route. The dishes are a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, rich, and light. If you want to learn how to cook Sri Lankan food, it’s best to start with the fundamentals, much like the spice route. Once you master basics like steaming basmati rice or balancing a flavorful shrimp curry, you can progress to mastering the cuisine as a whole. Here is the recipe for a delicious spiced yogurt sauce.
Spiced Yogurt Sauce Recipe
When it comes to the prevailing flavors in many dishes, spiciness tends to take center stage. That’s why it’s always a relief to have a cooling and refreshing yogurt sauce to balance things out. Our version of the sauce is a perfect match for our delicious lentil fritters and spring rolls. It is also a great addition to any curry dish, bringing a welcomed balance to the overall flavor profile.
Serves 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1-pint Greek-style yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons cumin and turmeric
Salt
Procedure
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
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
