Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish)

Name: Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Sri Lanka
Ingredients: 2 cups freshly grated coconut; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (or 2 fresh chilies, minced); 1 tablespoon Maldive fish flakes or dried shrimp (optional); Juice of 1 lime; Salt to taste

4 servings15 min prep0 min cookEasy Sri Lanka

♡ Sign in to save Print / Save as PDFPro

The Story Behind It

The Tale of Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish)

Pol sambol, grated coconut mixed with chili, lime, and Maldive fish flakes, reflects Sri Lanka's coconut-rich landscape and Sinhalese home cooking. It's less a dish with a documented history than a daily table condiment, made fresh in nearly every household to brighten rice and curry.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

2 cups freshly grated coconut
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1-2 teaspoons chili powder (or 2 fresh chilies, minced)
1 tablespoon Maldive fish flakes or dried shrimp (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Instructions

1Combine the grated coconut and chopped onion in a mixing bowl.
2Add the chili powder or fresh chilies and Maldive fish flakes if using.
3Squeeze in the lime juice.
4Season with salt to taste.
5Mix everything thoroughly, using your hands or a mortar and pestle to slightly crush the mixture and release the flavors.
6Taste and adjust chili, salt, or lime as needed.
7Serve fresh as a side to rice and curry, or with hoppers and roti.

Want Cook Mode, your own recipe photos, and unlimited calculators?

Get Home Cooking Pro

Comments

Loading comments…