Ambul Thiyal: Sri Lankan Sour Fish Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan fish curry made with goraka (gamboge), black pepper and aromatic spices. Unlike many curries, Ambual Thiyal is cooked until almost dry, allowing the fish to absorb the rich sour and peppery flavors.
Ambul Thiyal

CategoryDifficultyIntermediate

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time1 hrCook Time1 hrTotal Time2 hrs

 600 g Tuna, cut into medium-sized pieces
 8 Pieces Dried Goraka (Gamboge)
 ¾ cup Water (for soaking the goraka)
 3 tbsp Black Pepper Powder
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 Salt, to taste
 4 Garlic Cloves
 1 Inch Ginger
 4–5 Sprigs Curry Leaves
 1 Pandan Leaf, Cut into 8 pieces
 2 Inch Cinnamon Stick, Lightly Crushed
 4 Green Chillies, Slit Lengthwise
  cup Water (for cooking)

Prepare the Goraka Paste
1

Soak the dried goraka in ¾ cup warm water for about 1 hour until softened.

2

Transfer the soaked goraka (along with the soaking water) to a blender.

3

Add the garlic, ginger, black pepper powder, turmeric powder and salt.

4

Blend into a thick, smooth paste.

Marinate the Fish
5

Place the tuna pieces in a large bowl.

6

Coat each piece thoroughly with the prepared goraka paste.

7

Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Arrange the Curry
8

In a heavy-bottomed pot, arrange Curry leaves, Pandan pieces, Crushed cinnamon, Slit green chillies.

9

Place the marinated fish pieces over the aromatics in a single layer.

10

Spread any remaining marinade over the fish.

11

Pour ⅓ cup water around the edges of the pot.

12

Top with a few extra curry leaves and pandan pieces.

Cook
13

Cover the pot with a lid.

14

Cook over low heat.

15

Do not stir, as the fish can easily break apart.

16

Occasionally swirl the pot gently if needed.

17

Cook for about 45–60 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked, the gravy has reduced and the curry is almost dry, with the spices coating each piece of fish.

Serve
18

Allow the Ambual Thiyal to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

19

Serve with Steamed rice, Sri Lankan dhal curry, Pol sambol, Gotu kola sambol, Fried papadums.

Ingredients

 600 g Tuna, cut into medium-sized pieces
 8 Pieces Dried Goraka (Gamboge)
 ¾ cup Water (for soaking the goraka)
 3 tbsp Black Pepper Powder
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 Salt, to taste
 4 Garlic Cloves
 1 Inch Ginger
 4–5 Sprigs Curry Leaves
 1 Pandan Leaf, Cut into 8 pieces
 2 Inch Cinnamon Stick, Lightly Crushed
 4 Green Chillies, Slit Lengthwise
  cup Water (for cooking)
Ambul Thiyal