Sri Lankan Lunu Miris (Spicy Onion Sambol)

 

Lunu Miris is a spicy sambol or chutney from the beautiful paradise island of Sri Lanka, which I am fortunate to call my birthplace. It takes literally 5 minutes to make and consists of only 5 to 6 easy to find ingredients - red onions, chili powder, red chilli flakes, salt, lime juice and dried Maldives fish chips. 

Lunu Miris is commonly served as a paste or topping for a number of traditional Lankan dishes.

 

A mortar and pestle is a must-have when it comes to making this dish, but you even use a small blender to pulse the ingredients together. I don’t advice it though as I feel it tends to change the taste and texture somehow – but then again, it maybe only my imagination!

 

One of the most popular ways of eating Lunu Miris is with Kiribath, a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast dish made of white or brown rice and coconut milk. It is also delicious with ‘Pol’ (Coconut) Roti or Hoppers (Aappam). As for me personally... I love it simply with some bread and butter!

Lunu Miris can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to a week or for even month in the freezer. It will still retain its wonderful texture and flavor.

You can always make the vegetarian version without the Maldives Fish Chips. It’s how I usually make it at home ‘cos my husband doesn’t really eat anything that has fish in it. But when I make it only for myself, I add loads of Maldives Fish Chips!

Find the link to the demo video for this recipe here: @LunuMiris

For the Pol Roti Recipe - @polroti

For the Kiribath Recipe - @kiribath

Youtube: MyFoodChic

Facebook: @MyFoodyChic

Instagram: @MyFoodyChic

Twitter: @MyFoodyChic

Ingredients:

10-15 small red onions (sambar onions or shallots)

1 tbsp red chili powder

2 tbsp red chilli flakes

Salt to taste

The juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp dried Maldives fish chips (optional)

Method:

Add all the ingredients other than the lime juice to a mortar and pound with the pestle until everything is well blended. Please note, for a vegetarian option you can leave out the Maldives fish chips.

 

Take your time and do this patiently until it reaches the right texture.

Once it reaches the right consistency, add the lime juice and mix well.

Place in a dish and then do a taste for salt, spice and lime juice. Adjust if more of any or all of them is required.

Remember, you can change the amount of chilli powder and chilli flakes to suit your tastebuds.

Goes well with Pol Roti, Kiribath (Milk Rice) or even just some good old bread and butter... Enjoy!

XOXO, Jovanka