Side Dish

Seeni Sambol

Name: Seeni Sambol
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: sri_lankan
Ingredients: 500 g red onion thinly sliced; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1 pcs cinnamon stick; 3 pcs cardamom pod lightly crushed; 3 pcs clove; 10 pcs curry leaf; 1 tbsp ginger grated; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp tamarind paste; 0.5 tsp salt; 60 ml water

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

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

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

61%Score

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

Storage

Store leftover Seeni Sambol in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a small pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.