Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal
A tangy and spicy fish curry characterized by its sourness from dried goraka (Garcinia cambogia) and a rich blend of spices. It's a classic Sri Lankan dish with a unique flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tuna, seer fish, or snapper, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 5-7 pieces Dried Goraka (Garcinia cambogia)(soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, or to taste)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2-3 Green chilies(slit lengthwise, adjust to spice preference)
- 10-12 Curry leaves
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek seeds
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 cup Water(or as needed)
- 2 tbsp Coconut oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat coconut oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add fenugreek seeds, cinnamon stick, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent and lightly golden.
- 3
Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- 4
Add the soaked goraka (discard the soaking water or use a little if you prefer a milder sourness), green chilies, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- 5
Pour in about 1/2 cup of water, or enough to create a thick gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 6
Gently add the fish pieces to the simmering gravy. Ensure the fish is submerged. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Avoid overcooking.
- 7
Taste and adjust salt and goraka if needed. The curry should have a distinct tangy and spicy flavor.
- 8
Serve hot with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a clay pot enhances the traditional flavor of this dish.
- ✓Adjust the amount of goraka to achieve your desired level of sourness.
- ✓If goraka is unavailable, you can substitute with a small amount of tamarind paste, but the flavor will be different.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few slices of tomato for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Some variations include a small amount of thinly sliced pandan leaves for aroma.