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Saman Sambol Recipe | සැමන් සම්බෝල Sri Lankan Style

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CategoryCuisineServingsTotal timeSpice level Kids friendly
Side DishSri Lankan2 – 3 adult servings10 minutes🌶️🌶️⚠️

The Soul of Saman Sambol

A fresh, no‑cook salmon sambol with sharp lime, raw onion, and gentle Sri Lankan heat.

Saman sambol is one of the quickest and most comforting Sri Lankan side dishes, made without cooking and brought together in just minutes. Using canned salmon mixed with fresh onion, green chilli and lime, it reflects the everyday ingenuity of Sri Lankan home cooking simple ingredients transformed into something deeply flavourful.

Fresh, punchy and slightly fiery, this sambol carries a sharp heat balanced by citrus and the natural richness of fish. The texture is soft yet lightly chunky, with bursts of crunch from raw onion and chilli. A small pinch of sugar often rounds the flavours, giving it that familiar Sri Lankan balance.

Often prepared when time is short, saman sambol is a go‑to dish served with rice, pol roti or bread. It is humble, practical and full of character true to the rhythm of Sri Lankan kitchens.

Ingredients

  • 1 tin (200 g) salmon
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 – 2 green chillies
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ Juice of lime
  • Finely chopped curry leaves stem with 10 – 20 leaves

½ tsp Chilli Flakes Add To Cart

½ tsp Pepper Crushed Add To Cart

Method

  1. Drain the canned salmon and place it in a bowl.
  2. Lightly mash with a fork, keeping a slightly chunky texture.
  3. Add sliced onion, green chillies and curry leaves (if using).
  4. Add chilli flakes, black pepper, a pinch of sugar and salt (if needed).
  5. Pour in the lime juice.
  6. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
  7. Taste and adjust lime, salt or spice as needed.
  8. Serve immediately.

To Serve

  • With hot rice
  • With pol roti or bread
  • Inside sandwiches or wraps
  • As a quick tea‑time side

Making It Kid Friendly

To make a milder version suitable for children:

  • Skip green chillies and chilli flakes
  • Reduce black pepper
  • Add a little extra salmon for a softer flavour

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