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Breadfruit Curry Recipe | Sri Lankan Del Maluwa
Breadfruit Curry (දෙල් මාළුව)
| Category | Servings | Total time | Spice level | Kids friendly |
| Main Curry | 3 – 4 adults | 30 – 35 minutes | 🌶️🌶️ | ✅ |
The Soul of Del Maluwa
A creamy Sri Lankan breadfruit curry simmered in coconut milk with mild spices and a soft, comforting texture
Del maluwa, or Sri Lankan breadfruit curry, is a deeply comforting village-style dish made with tender breadfruit simmered in coconut milk. Known for its soft texture and ability to absorb flavour beautifully, breadfruit is a staple ingredient in many traditional Sri Lankan homes.
Cooked gently with turmeric, curry leaves and mild spices, the breadfruit becomes creamy on the outside while maintaining a soft, slightly firm centre. The coconut milk adds richness and smoothness, balancing the natural starchiness of the vegetable.
Often served as part of a simple rice and curry meal, del maluwa brings warmth and satisfaction to the plate. It reflects the essence of Sri Lankan home cooking seasonal, humble and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 600 g breadfruit (del)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup thin coconut milk
- ½ cup thick coconut milk
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 green chillies, slit
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1 small piece pandan leaf
- Salt, to taste
- 1 small pinch sugar
½ tsp Pepper CrushedAdd To Cart
½ tsp Turmeric Powder Add To Cart
1 tsp Curry Powder Add To Cart
Making It Kid Friendly
- Skip green chillies
- Reduce black pepper
- Add a little extra coconut milk
Method
- Add peeled, cored and cubed breadfruit, onion, green chillies, curry leaves, pandan leaf, turmeric, curry powder, salt and water into a pan.
- Cook on medium heat until the breadfruit begins to soften.
- Add thin coconut milk and simmer gently until the breadfruit is tender.
- Stir occasionally, allowing a few pieces to soften and lightly break, creating a natural thick texture.
- Add thick coconut milk and cook on low heat for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Do not boil after adding thick coconut milk.
- Add black pepper and a small pinch of sugar.
- Adjust salt and remove from heat.
- Allow to rest slightly before serving.
To Serve
- With steamed white rice
- Alongside dhal curry
- With fish or dry fish curry
- With pol sambol or mallum
Del Maluwa Variations
| Del Thel Dala | Del White Curry | Del Mustard Curry | Del Coconut Paste Curry | Del Pepper Curry |
| Ingredient Changes Remove: Add: 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds 2 dried red chillies ½ tsp chilli flakes Method Changes Cook breadfruit with turmeric + salt + little water until just tender In a separate pan: heat oil add mustard → splutter add cumin → stir briefly add dried red chilli + curry leaves add onion + green chilli → saute | Ingredient Changes Remove: Add: ¼ tsp black pepper (only) Method Changes Follow base method Skip curry powder completely Use only turmeric + pepper | Ingredient Changes Add paste: 1 tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp cumin 1 clove garlic Method Changes Cook breadfruit until soft Add mustard paste before thick coconut milk Cook 2-3 minutes Then add thick coconut milk | Ingredient Changes Add paste: 3 tbsp grated coconut ½ tsp cumin 1 clove garlic Method Changes Add coconut paste after breadfruit softens Cook for 3-4 minutes Then add thin coconut milk Finish with thick coconut milk | Ingredient Changes Add: 1 tsp black pepper (increase) ½ tsp chilli flakes Method Changes Add extra pepper at spice stage Keep coconut milk slightly lower |
