Coconut Sambol
Coconut Sambol is a yummy Sri Lankan side dish made with coconut, onion, chili, and lime. It’s not cooked – just mixed! It tastes a little spicy and sour. People eat it with rice, roti (flatbread), or hoppers (a type of pancake). It’s healthy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Grated Coconut
Grated coconut is the soft white part of a coconut, cut into tiny pieces. It tastes a little sweet and creamy. It’s the main part of coconut sambol and gives it a nice texture. You can use fresh or dry coconut, but dry coconut should be soaked in warm water first.
Red Onion
Red onion has a purple-red skin and a strong taste. It is chopped into small pieces for sambol. It adds a crunchy texture and sharp flavor. Sometimes it makes your eyes water when cutting, but it helps make the sambol tasty and fresh.
Chilies
Chilies are small and spicy. They can be red or green and are cut into tiny pieces. Chilies make the sambol hot and exciting to eat. If you don’t like spicy food, you can use less. Always ask an adult for help when cutting them.
Chili Flakes
Chili flakes are made from dried chilies crushed into small pieces. They add heat and flavor to the sambol. You only need a little to make it spicy. They are easier to use than fresh chilies and are great for mixing into cold dishes like sambol.
Salt
Salt is a white powder that makes food taste better. In coconut sambol, it helps bring out all the other flavors. You only need a small amount. Too much salt can be bad for you, so just use a little to balance the taste.
Lime or Lemon Juice
Lime or lemon juice is sour and comes from squeezing fresh limes or lemons. It makes the sambol taste fresh and tangy. The juice also softens the onions and helps mix all the flavors together. Use just a little to give the sambol a zesty kick!
Easy Coconut Sambol Recipe
What You Need:
- 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or dry coconut made soft with warm water)
- 1 small red onion (chopped very small)
- 1 or 2 chilies (chopped small – ask an adult if it’s too spicy!)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
- (Optional) A tiny bit of sugar to balance the taste
How to Make It:
- If using dry coconut, add a little warm water to make it soft.
- In a bowl, mix the coconut, onion, chilies, chili flakes, and salt.
- Add the lime or lemon juice and mix again.
- Taste it — add more salt or lime if you like.
- (Optional) Add a little sugar if it’s too spicy or sour.
What to Eat It With:
- Rice and curry
- Roti (flatbread)
- Hoppers or string hoppers
