A Creamy, Spiced Delight from Sri Lanka
Welcome to a dish that’s both comforting and uniquely flavorful—Cucumber Curry. This recipe brings together tender cucumber pieces, gently simmered in a fragrant blend of cinnamon and spices, to create a delicate yet richly spiced curry. As the cucumbers soften, they soak up the aromatic broth, creating a subtle depth of flavor. The magic happens when you stir in a creamy mixture of rice, coconut, and mustard, transforming the dish into a luscious, velvety curry. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to a larger meal, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional curry that you’re sure to love.
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, 3 teaspoons of shredded coconut, and a cup of coconut milk. You’ll also need 2 cucumbers, 3 pandan leaves, 5 curry leaves, a 2 cm piece of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 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. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cucumbers are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Add cinnamon, curry powder, turmeric, pandan leaves, curry leaves, chili, and salt to the pan with the cucumbers. Stir everything together well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the spices.
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.
Once the cucumbers are tender and the spices have been added, 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!
Cucumber Curry
Ingredients
- 2 cucumber
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 2 teaspoons desicated coconut
- 2 teaspoons rice
- 1 cup coconutmilk
- 1/2 onion
- 2 large garlic cloves or 3 small garlic cloves
- 1 green chilli
- 2 cm cinnamon piece
- 2 teaspoons currypowder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 5cm pandan leave
- 5 curry leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the rice in hot water, whil you prepare the other ingredients
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from each half.
- Cut the cucumber half lengthwise again, creating quarters, and slice into 2 cm pieces.
- Cook on low heat with approximately 4 tablespoons of water.
- Add the cinnamon, curry powder, turmeric, pandan leaves, curry leaves, chilli,and salt.
- Using a hand blender or food processor, purée the soaked rice, desiccated coconut, onion, garlic, mustard, pepper, and coconut milk until smooth.
- Once the cucumbers are fork-tender, add the coconut-mustard mixture. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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.
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!
