Seeni Sambol
Seeni Sambol is a traditional Sri Lankan caramelized onion relish, known for its sweet, savory, and spicy flavor profile. It's typically served as a side dish with rice and curries, or as a spread in sandwiches. This vegan version captures the authentic taste using plant-based ingredients.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 155 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 500 gred onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbspcoconut oil
- 1 pcscinnamon stick
- 3 pcscardamom pod, lightly crushed
- 3 pcsclove
- 10 pcscurry leaf
- 1 tbspginger, grated
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tspchili powder
- 0.5 tspturmeric powder
- 2 tbspsugar
- 1 tbsptamarind paste
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 60 mlwater
Equipment
large pan · pot · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and curry leaves to the pan.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Lightly crushing the cardamom pods helps release their flavor.
- 3
Sauté the spices for about 1 minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Don't rush this step; proper caramelization is key for flavor.
- 5
Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
About 3 min
- 6
Add the chili powder and turmeric powder to the onion mixture.
- 7
Mix well and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast.
About 1 min
- 8
Stir in the sugar, tamarind paste, and salt.
- 9
Pour in the water, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
About 2 min
- 10
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- 11
Remove the lid and cook for a final 5 minutes, stirring, to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate and the sambol to achieve a jam-like consistency.
About 5 min
- 12
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 154.7kcal
- Protein
- 1.9g
- Carbs
- 22.3g
- Fat
- 7.3g
- Fibre
- 3.4g
- Sugar
- 12.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Seeni Sambol in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a small pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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