How Do You Make Dhal Curry?
How do you make dhal curry?
Dhal curry, also called Parippu, is a favourite Sri Lankan dish.
It is creamy, comforting, fragrant and easy to prepare.
At GlenMyu Estate, we serve delicious Sri Lankan food to our guests.
Our food is regularly mentioned in customer reviews.
Here is our recipe for Southern Sri Lankan dhal curry.
It uses red lentils, coconut milk and traditional Sri Lankan spices.
The recipe is simple enough to prepare at home.
It also makes a wonderful introduction to Sri Lankan cooking.
What ingredients do you need?
You will need the following ingredients for the dhal curry:
- ½ cup red lentils or masoor dhal, washed
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- A few curry leaves
- 1 piece pandan leaf, about 5 centimetres long
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon unroasted Sri Lankan curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 green chilli, split lengthways
- 1½ cups thin coconut milk
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
The green chilli is optional if you prefer a milder curry.
How do you cook the dhal?
Place the washed lentils into a saucepan or curry pot.
Add the garlic, shallots, curry leaves and pandan leaf.
Add the cinnamon stick, turmeric and unroasted curry powder.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Add the split green chilli if you want additional heat.
Pour in the thin coconut milk and stir everything together.
Bring the mixture gently to the boil over medium heat.
Continue cooking until the lentils become soft and yellow.
Most of the liquid should have evaporated at this stage.
Now add the thick coconut milk.
Reduce the heat and allow the curry to return to a gentle boil.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Your Sri Lankan dhal curry is now ready to serve.
Can you add a dhal curry tempering?
Yes, a tempering can add another layer of flavour.
This is sometimes called Thel Dala or Thamparadu.
For the tempering, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- A few curry leaves
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder or chilli flakes
Heat the oil in a small frying pan.
Add the mustard seeds and allow them to pop.
Add the garlic, onion and curry leaves.
Fry everything until the onion becomes soft and lightly golden.
Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the chilli powder or chilli flakes.
Pour the tempering over the dhal curry.
For the best flavour, leave the tempering sitting on the curry.
Allow several minutes for the flavours to seep into the dhal.
Avoid stirring immediately after adding the tempering.
What can you serve with dhal curry?
Dhal curry works wonderfully with steamed rice.
It also pairs well with pol sambol and fried fish.
You can serve it alongside a simple vegetable curry.
Sri Lankan meals often include several different dishes.
The dhal provides a creamy and comforting element to the meal.
Why stay at GlenMyu Estate?
Food is an important part of the experience at GlenMyu Estate.
The estate is spread across five acres in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.
The main house has three guest bedrooms.
There is also a separate villa called Ninada Jala.
Ninada Jala is particularly suitable for honeymooners and couples.
It is also suitable for small families seeking a private stay.
GlenMyu Estate provides a luxury stay away from busy tourist areas.
It is surrounded by nature and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Guests can enjoy the peaceful estate while exploring the surrounding Hill Country.
There is plenty to see and do beyond the estate.
We recommend staying for at least three or four days.
This gives you time to enjoy the estate and explore nearby attractions.
You could visit Ella during a day trip from GlenMyu Estate.
Popular Ella attractions include Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
Ravana Waterfall is another popular attraction to include in your plans.
The area also provides access to sections of the Pekoe Trail.
Lipton’s Seat offers spectacular mountain views and a memorable experience.
Diyaluma Waterfall is another worthwhile destination to explore.
Horton Plains National Park provides a very different Hill Country experience.
Guests can also discover quieter hiking experiences with local guides.
GlenMyu Estate can provide contact details for experienced local guides.
Many guests choose GlenMyu Estate for special occasions.
Birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons are frequently celebrated at the estate.
The peaceful setting can make these occasions particularly memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions - What is dhal curry?
What is Sri Lankan dhal curry?
Sri Lankan dhal curry is a lentil curry known as Parippu.
It is usually prepared with red lentils, coconut milk and fragrant spices.
Is Sri Lankan dhal curry vegetarian?
Yes, this dhal curry recipe is vegetarian.
It uses lentils, coconut milk, vegetables, herbs and spices.
Can I make dhal curry without chilli?
Yes, the green chilli can simply be left out.
You can also reduce the chilli used in the optional tempering.
What should I serve with dhal curry?
Dhal curry is excellent with steamed rice and pol sambol.
It can also accompany fried fish and other Sri Lankan vegetable curries.
How long should I stay at GlenMyu Estate?
We recommend staying for at least three or four days.
This allows time to enjoy the estate and explore the surrounding Hill Country.
Guests can visit Ella, the Pekoe Trail, Lipton’s Seat and other attractions.
You can contact GlenMyu Estate directly for booking information and rates.
For direct booking rates, contact GlenMyu Estate on WhatsApp at 00 94 752 999 272.
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We recommend contacting us directly via WhatsApp for the best rates.
Message us at 00 94 752 999 272.
Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.