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Salmon tin fish Milky Curry – (සැමන් ටින් මාළු කිරට)

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Category Cuisine Servings Total timeSpice level Kids friendly
MainSri Lankan3 adult20 – 25 minutes🌶️🌶️✅

The Soul of Saman Curry

A gentle salmon curry simmered in coconut milk with mild spices and comforting Sri Lankan warmth.

Saman kirata is a gently spiced Sri Lankan coconut milk curry made using canned salmon, bringing comfort and warmth to everyday meals. Unlike the bold heat of sambol or thel dala, this dish is soft, creamy and soothing, making it a favourite in homes when a lighter, more balanced curry is desired.

The salmon cooks gently in coconut milk, absorbing subtle spices like turmeric, pepper and curry leaves. The result is a delicate, mildly aromatic gravy with a natural richness, lifted by a hint of lime at the end. The texture remains tender, with pieces of fish holding their shape in a smooth, comforting sauce.

Often served with rice, string hoppers or soft roti, saman kirata is a go‑to dish for family meals, especially when cooking for children or those who prefer milder flavours. It reflects the softer side of Sri Lankan cooking—simple, nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 1 tin (200 g) salmon
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion
  • 1 – 2 green chillies
  • 1 tsp finely chopped garlic
  • 8 – 10 curry leaves
  • 1 small piece pandan leaf
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk
  • ½ cup water
  • Juice of ½ lime

¼ tsp Turmeric Powder Add To Cart

½ tsp Pepper Crushed Add To Cart

Method

  1. Drain the salmon and keep in medium chunks. Do not mash.
  2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add curry leaves and pandan leaf and let them release their aroma.
  4. Add onion and green chillies, and saute until soft and slightly translucent.
  5. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  6. Add turmeric, black pepper and a little salt. Mix gently.
  7. Pour in the water and coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Add the salmon pieces carefully and coat with the gravy.
  9. Simmer for 5 – 7 minutes on low heat until slightly thickened. Do not overcook.
  10. Remove from heat and finish with lime juice.
  11. Serve warm.

To Serve

  • With steamed white rice
  • With string hoppers
  • With soft roti or bread
  • Alongside dhal or vegetable curries

Making It Kid Friendly

This dish is naturally kid friendly.

For younger children:

  • Skip green chillies
  • Reduce black pepper slightly
  • Add a little extra coconut milk for a milder taste

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