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The Sri Lankan curry pantry: a beginner's guide
5 min read · By the Ellara Ceylon team
Sri Lankan curries are known for roasted spice blends, aromatic leaves and coconut milk. A small, well-chosen pantry gets you most of the way.
The essentials
- Roasted curry blend: the deep, toasty base of many dishes.
- Roasted chili powder: for heat you can control.
- Cinnamon quills, cloves and black pepper: warm background notes.
- Curry leaves (karapincha) and pandan leaf (rampe): the signature aromas.
- Coconut milk: to soften and round out the spices.
- Lemongrass, tamarind or lime: for brightness.
Start simple
Begin with a blend, chili, cinnamon and coconut milk. Add leaves and fresh aromatics as you get comfortable. Roasting the spices gives the dark color and nutty depth that many cooks love.
Ready to cook? Shop the spices and teas.