Being stick thin, the general public naturally assume that I detest food. The truth is, only a good book would beat food. I can become quite spiteful when I miss my usual bowl of rice and curry.
It is a blessing that I was born in a country where food in itself is a language. True, we may not boast of sophisticated culinary marvels that you hear in French or Italian cuisine. My personal belief is that it’s not for the lack of finesse but because Sri Lankans are humble by nature and do not see the need to overplay something they experience day in, day out. Well, we are kind of lazy too.
While I was studying overseas most of my friends were curious whether our cooking is similar to Indian cuisine. Probably because I had no trouble gobbling up spicy Indian food without breaking a sweat. I was stuck between a yes and a no. We do share most of the ingredients and certain elements, yet we walk away from our neighbour in certain subtle and not so subtle culinary practices.
The staple dish of Sri Lanka is rice and curry. The rice varies from thin, fragrant Basmathi to thick, coarse Nadu rice. You may find polished milky white Kekulu rice served next to red, nutritious brown rice. Some are indigenous to the island while some are hybrids of local and alien. The vegetables that accompany the meal could be what you are familiar with such as carrots, beans, okra, leek, aubergines or cabbage. Then it can also be bitter guard, ridge gourd, snake gourd, ash plantains and even banana blossoms. Yes! You heard me right. We eat the flowers of the banana tree. Most of these will be cooked in creamy coconut milk with the requisite blend of spices. Turmeric add colour and kills the unhealthy microorganisms. Pepper
is a source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Chilli promotes weight loss and fights cancer. The five spices promote digestion and absorption. Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamins and silently fight diabetes. With the right amount you end up with
a healthy, aromatic, and a colourful feast.
The meal would not be complete if we do not add meat, sea food or fish. Since the majority of Sri Lankans practise Buddhism the meats and fish may not accompany the meal at certain instances. Yet when it does, it is fiery spicy and exquisitely flavoured. Chicken is favoured by most compared to other meats. Nibble sized pieces deep fried and served with an assortment of vegetables that includes capsicums, tomatoes, and carrots, topped up with sweetened chilli sauce. Alternatively let the pieces marinate in a mixture of pepper, chilli, roasted curry powder, garlic, tamarind and ginger. Fry some onions and green chilli and let the meat simmer in its own fat. The gravy is thick and creamy ready to blast your taste buds. Soak some toasted bread or baguettes in it and you will not regret life’s decisions. Keep a glass of iced water in the vicinity. I mean there’s chilli and pepper after all.
The fish might come from fresh water or the surrounding seas. They could be deep fried with a pinch of pepper and salt coated with biscuit crumbs, cooked with a blend of spices, red chilli powder being the prominent. For breakfast you can tone down the spices and enjoy it with a bit of pepper, turmeric and the five spices, drowning in a sea of creamy coconut milk.
Dried fish is another delicacy I shouldn’t forget to mention. From one fishing community to another the method of drying varies. The gutting of the fish, the horizontal or fishbone cuts, amount of salt used for drying, varying degrees of sunlight, and the type of fish creates an unbelievable number of different varieties of dried fish. It may smell awful before it is made edible, but dried fish remains one of the best dishes you could enjoy in my island.
I haven’t even started telling you about the sea food. We live in harmony. The Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Christians and Buddhists; we all have our own culinary secrets. The people from the west, east, south, north and the mid-hills; they too share unique gourmet confidences.
Want to know more? Follow me on my unashamed journey as I explore my island home. I like to think that I can take you to places. See you soon!
