Mix together thin coconut milk, curry leaves, pandan leaf, goraka, garlic cloves, green chillies, shallots, cinnamon stick, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, and salt.
Turn on the flame and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors blend.
Incorporate the thick coconut milk, ensuring the mixture simmers gently over low heat. Take care not to bring it to a boil to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
Continue to simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes, occasionally stirring until the curry slightly thickens.
After the curry reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a moment before adding lime juice.
Ingredients
Directions
Mix together thin coconut milk, curry leaves, pandan leaf, goraka, garlic cloves, green chillies, shallots, cinnamon stick, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, and salt.
Turn on the flame and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors blend.
Incorporate the thick coconut milk, ensuring the mixture simmers gently over low heat. Take care not to bring it to a boil to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
Continue to simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes, occasionally stirring until the curry slightly thickens.
After the curry reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a moment before adding lime juice.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Kiri Hodi pairs exceptionally well with steamed white rice. Place a generous ladle of Kiri Hodi over a mound of rice, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Bread: You can also serve Kiri Hodi with Sri Lankan-style roti, paratha, or any flatbread of your choice. Tear off a piece of bread and use it to scoop up the creamy curry.
- String Hoppers: String hoppers, a type of steamed rice noodle, are another popular accompaniment for Kiri Hodi. Arrange a few string hoppers on a plate and pour the curry over them.
- Pittu: Pittu is a cylindrical-shaped steamed rice dish often enjoyed with Kiri Hodi. Slice the pittu and serve it alongside the curry.
- Sambol: Add some heat and texture to your meal with Sri Lankan sambols, such as coconut sambol or pol sambol (a spicy coconut condiment). These sambols complement the mildness of this dish.
- Fried Fish or Chicken: If you’d like to include a protein component, serve this dish with fried or grilled fish or chicken on the side.
- Vegetable Side Dishes: Complement the curry with vegetable side dishes like stir-fried greens, okra, or eggplant for a well-balanced meal.
- Lime or Lemon Wedges: Provide lime or lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy flavor. Squeezing some fresh lime juice over this curry can enhance its taste.
- Chutneys: Accompany the meal with various chutneys, like coconut chutney or mango chutney, to add extra flavors and textures.
- Pickles: Some people enjoy Kiri Hodi with pickles, such as lime pickles or mango pickles, to introduce a tangy and spicy element to the meal.
Tips
- Use Fresh Coconut Milk: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed coconut milk for the best flavor and creaminess. You can also use canned coconut milk, but make sure to choose a good-quality one with no additives.
- Balance Spices: Adjust the amount of green chilies and spices like turmeric, fenugreek seeds, and mustard seeds to suit your preferred level of spiciness and flavor intensity.
- Avoid Boiling Coconut Milk: Be cautious not to let the coconut milk come to a rolling boil, as it can cause it to curdle or separate. Keep the heat low and allow the mixture to simmer gently.
- Stirring: Stir the curry gently while it’s simmering to prevent the coconut milk from sticking to the pan or curdling. Use a wooden spoon or spatula for this purpose.
- Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust the salt and other seasonings as needed. The seasoning should enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Protein Options: You can customize this curry by adding your choice of protein like chicken, fish, shrimp, or tofu. If using meat or seafood, cook it before adding the coconut milk.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green beans, or eggplant into the curry for added texture and nutrition.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: Add lime or lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors. This step adds a pleasant tang to the creamy curry.
- Serve Hot: This curry is best enjoyed when it’s freshly prepared and served hot. Reheating can sometimes affect the texture of the coconut milk.
FAQs
Q: What is Kiri Hodi?
A: Kiri Hodi is a traditional Sri Lankan coconut milk-based curry. It’s known for its creamy texture and mild, flavorful taste.
Q: Is this a spicy dish?
A: Kiri Hodi is typically not very spicy, but the level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the number of green chilies used in the recipe.
Q: Can I use canned coconut milk for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned coconut milk if fresh coconut milk is not available. However, fresh coconut milk is often preferred for better flavor.
Q: How do I prevent coconut milk from curdling?
A: To prevent coconut milk from curdling, simmer it gently over low heat and avoid bringing it to a rolling boil. Stirring gently also helps.
Q: What are some common side dishes to serve with Kiri Hodi?
A: Popular side dishes include rice, bread, string hoppers, sambols, pickles, and vegetable curries.
Q: How long does Kiri Hodi last in the refrigerator?
A: Kiri Hodi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Kiri Hodi for later use?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Kiri Hodi for up to a month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Q: Is Kiri Hodi a vegan dish?
A: Kiri Hodi can be vegan if you use vegetable oil and omit any animal products. It’s traditionally a vegetarian or vegan dish.
Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of Kiri Hodi to my liking?
A: Yes, you can control the spiciness by varying the number of green chilies used. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
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