Cucumber Curry

This cucumber curry combines tender cucumber with coconut milk, cinnamon, curry leaves and pandan. A blended rice, coconut and mustard mixture gives the sauce its creamy texture. Serve it as part of a Sri Lankan meal or alongside your favourite rice.

Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients: half an onion, two large garlic cloves (or three small ones), 2 teaspoons of rice, 2 teaspoons of mustard, 2 teaspoons of shredded coconut, and a cup of coconut milk. You’ll also need 2 cucumbers, a 5 cm piece of pandan leaf, 5 curry leaves, a 2 cm piece of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of turmeric, 2 teaspoons of curry powder, 1 green chili, and salt and pepper to taste

Once all the ingredients are prepared begin by soaking the rice in hot water. Just place the rice in a bowl and pour enough hot water over it to cover it completely. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Next, take a cucumber and peel it, then cut it in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from each half. Cut each cucumber half lengthwise again to create quarters, and slice these quarters into 2 cm pieces.

Now, move to cooking the cucumbers. Place them in a pan with approximately 4 tablespoons of water. Add the cinnamon, curry powder, turmeric, pandan leaves, curry leaves, chilli, and salt at the same time.

Stir well, then cook the cucumbers with the water and spices on low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender. Do not add the coconut-mustard mixture yet.

Next, make the coconut-mustard mixture. Drain the soaked rice and combine it with desiccated coconut, onion, garlic, mustard, pepper, and coconut milk. Use a hand blender or food processor to blend the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Only once the cucumbers are fork-tender, stir in the coconut-mustard mixture. Continue to simmer everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.

Finally, give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful creation!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Exotic & Comforting: The combination of tender cucumbers and creamy coconut sauce offers a balance of comforting and exotic flavors.
• Unique Spices: The aromatic blend of cinnamon, curry powder, and mustard makes this curry truly distinctive.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
• Vibrant & Creamy: The coconut-mustard paste creates a velvety texture that enhances the cucumbers and spices, making every bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili according to your preference.

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This Sinhala Cucumber Curry is sure to captivate your taste buds with its creamy, spiced goodness. Whether you’re a fan of Sri Lankan food or new to the cuisine, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful experience that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious!