Sri Lankan pork curry, also called “Kalupol pork curry,” is a beloved dish celebrated for its rich aroma and bold flavours. This popular dish is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish is typically made with tender chunks of pork that are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy made with a blend of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, as well as a variety of traditional Sri Lankan ingredients such as curry leaves, pandan leaves, and coconut milk. The result is a mouthwatering and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making this delicious dish at home, here’s a simple recipe you can follow.
Ingredients:
- One kg pork, cut into cubes
- Two large onions, finely sliced
- Three tomatoes, chopped
- Four cloves garlic, minced
- One-inch ginger, grated
- Two sprigs of curry leaves
- Two-three green chillies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- Two tbsp Sri Lankan curry powder
- One tsp turmeric powder
- One tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- One tsp black mustard seeds
- One tsp fenugreek seeds
- One cinnamon stick
- Two cardamom pods
- Four cloves
- One cup of thick coconut milk
- Two tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Pork:
- Mix the pork cubes in a bowl with one tablespoon of Sri Lankan curry powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Curry Base:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté until the mustard seeds start to pop.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add Spice Powders:
- Add the remaining curry powder and chilli powder. Stir well to coat the onions and spices.
- Cook the Pork:
- Add the marinated pork to the pot and brown it on all sides.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Once the pork is browned, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the mixture becomes a thick paste.
- Simmer with Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the thick coconut milk and bring the curry to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the pork is tender. This may take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt and spice levels according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat once the pork is tender and the curry has thickened. Discard whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with additional curry leaves and serve the Sri Lankan pork curry hot with rice, roti, or bread.
Enjoy your delicious Sri Lankan-style pork curry! Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
A dish’s taste perception is often subjective and varies depending on individual preferences. However, the Sri Lankan-style pork curry recipe evokes a delightful taste in most people. The tastiness comes from various aromatic spices with unique flavour and aroma. The rich and creamy coconut milk adds depth to the dish, while the slow-cooked tenderness of the pork enhances the overall texture.
The blend of flavours in this recipe is a perfect balance of heat, earthiness, and sweetness. The fiery chilli provides a pleasant kick, while the curry powder adds an earthy flavour that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweetness of the coconut milk brings everything together into a harmonious blend of flavours that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Suppose you enjoy bold and spicy flavours with a hint of sweetness. In that case, this Sri Lankan pork curry recipe is worth trying out. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has different taste preferences, so feel free to adjust the spice levels or experiment with additional ingredients to suit your liking.
