some popular Sri Lankan dishes that are made with coconut and their health benefits:
Coconut is a staple ingredient in Sri Lankan cuisine, and it is used in a variety of dishes, from curries to desserts. Here are some popular Sri Lankan dishes that are made with coconut and their health benefits:
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Kiribath (milk rice): This is a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast dish made with rice cooked in coconut milk. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
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Pol sambol (spicy coconut relish): This is a popular Sri Lankan condiment made with grated coconut, chili peppers, onions, and spices. It is a good source of vitamins C and A, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Kottu (shredded vegetable stir-fry): This is a popular street food in Sri Lanka made with shredded vegetables, spices, and coconut. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
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Dhal curry (lentils in coconut curry sauce): This is a popular lentil curry in Sri Lanka made with lentils, coconut milk, spices, and vegetables. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
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Chicken curry (chicken in coconut curry sauce): This is a popular chicken curry in Sri Lanka made with chicken, coconut milk, spices, and vegetables. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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Fish aambul thiyal (sour fish curry): This is a popular fish curry in Sri Lanka made with fish, coconut milk, tamarind, and spices. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
In addition to these dishes, coconut is also used in other Sri Lankan foods, such as desserts, drinks, and snacks. Coconut is a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Here are some of the health benefits of coconut:
- Coconut is a good source of saturated fat, but this type of fat is different from the saturated fat found in animal products. Coconut fat is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and absorbed by the body. MCTs have been shown to boost metabolism and help with weight loss.
- Coconut is also a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and gut health.
- Coconut is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
- Coconut has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Coconut milk can help to hydrate the skin and hair.
Overall, coconut is a healthy and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. If you are looking for a way to add more healthy fats to your diet, coconut is a good option. One of Ruchi's signature dishes, coconut shrimp a delicacy in coastal srilanka that speaks volumes of Srilankan culture and heritage. The fresh produce of black tiger prawns in puttalam district, shallow fried with coconut shrads in coconut oil fills the roam with glorious aroma in the monsoon. Here at Ruchi #1, we recreate the magic from shrimps sourced from North Bay Beach, one of the cleanest beaches in the world. We take pride in bringing the best indegenious dishes from Srilanka to the local community of Scarborough.
Here is a recipe for Sri Lankan Coconut Shrimp:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, coconut, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumb mixture.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Advantages of Sri Lankan Coconut Shrimp:
- This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
- The shrimp are coated in a crispy, coconuty crust that is both delicious and nutritious.
- Coconut is a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
- This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of seafood.
- It is also a relatively healthy option, as it is fried in a shallow pan with a small amount of oil.
Tips:
- Choose large shrimp for this recipe, as they will hold up better to the frying process.
- If you don't have unsweetened shredded coconut, you can use sweetened coconut, but reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- You can also add other spices to the bread crumb mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
- Serve the shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or tartar sauce.