A fiery, tangy Sri Lankan chili and onion sambal made with just 4 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes. The perfect partner for kiribath, coconut roti, hoppers and rice.
Peel and slice the shallots. It's easier to pound if sliced.
Add the sliced shallots to a mortar and pound them until they start to break down. Mix in the chili flakes and continue pounding until the mixture turns into a rough, mushy paste. If you’re using chili powder, add it at this stage and mix well.
Finally, add the salt and lime juice, then pound everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and your sambal is ready to serve!
Notes
No shallots? White onions work as a substitute, but the flavour will be sharper.
Food processor method: Pulse the shallots and chili in short bursts until coarse, then stir in the salt and lime. Don't over blend.
Heat level: Adjust the chili flakes to taste and skip the chili powder for a milder version.
Best eaten fresh, on the day it's made.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.