Sri Lankans who hail from an exotic island that is gifted with a wide array of natural resources, have their own way of preparing the unique Sri Lankan delicacies. Fish Ambul Thiyal too is a unique, authentic Sri Lankan dish that is quite popular among the Sinhalese. This is indeed a must try Sri Lankan dish and we are certain that it will not fail to fascinate you! Also this is a renowned means of preserving food. Enjoy!

Note: You will need a large clay pot to prepare this dish. 

Ingredients

• Banana leaves to be placed at the bottom of the clay pot
• Fish (Kelawalla or Balaya) 500 g 
• Ginger ½ tbsp. (Grated) 
• Black pepper 2 tbsp.
• Goraka / brindle berry 5 pieces 
• Garlic cloves 5 (grated)
• Cardamom pods 2
• Rampe leaves 2 inches
• Curry leaves 5-8 leaves
• Cloves 4
• Salt to taste
• Chili powder1 ½ tsp.
• Turmeric powder ½ tsp.
• Water as required 

 

Method

• First, place the banana leaves in a large clay pot and set it aside.
• Wash the fish and cut them into chunks as required and make sure that they do not crowd in the pan. 
• To make the goraka paste, you need to soak the goraka/ brindle berry in water for around 7 minutes and grind them into a smooth paste. 
• Now you can make the spice paste by grinding cardamom, curry leaves, cloves, rampe leaves, chili powder, turmeric powder, garlic, pepper and ginger together. 
• Combine the spice paste and the goraka paste with the rest of the ingredients and add salt as required. 
• Now, you may marinate the cut chunks with the above paste in a large bowl and set aside for around 20 minutes.
• Take the prepared clay pot and add in the marinated fish.
• You need to add water in a way that it covers all chunks of fish.
• Now, you can cook the fish over low fire.
• Do not use a spoon or mix the fish as it gets cooked. Instead you can shake the pot carefully by holding it from either sides.  
• Let it simmer for a while and let water gets dried up completely
• When the fish turns dark and takes a blackish hue, remove the pot from fire and set it aside to cool off.  
• You may serve with white rice or bread.

 

 

 

 

 

By Mekhala Egodawele

Photo source : Internet