Sour fish curry (Ambul Thiyal)

Sri Lankan sour fish curry, known as "Ambul Thiyal," is a traditional and iconic dish from the island nation's culinary repertoire. It's particularly popular among the coastal communities of Sri Lanka, where fish is abundant and widely consumed.

Ambul Thiyal is characterized by its sour and tangy flavor, which is achieved through the use of dried goraka (Garcinia cambogia), a souring agent native to Sri Lanka. The dish typically features chunks of fish, often a firm and meaty variety like tuna or mackerel, cooked with a blend of spices and the souring agent to create a flavorful curry.

Here's a basic recipe for Sri Lankan sour fish curry:

Ingredients:

• 500g firm fish fillets (such as tuna or mackerel), cut into chunks
• 2-3 tablespoons dried goraka (Garcinia cambogia), soaked in water
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups coconut milk
• Water as needed
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Allow them to splutter.
2. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add turmeric powder and chili powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for another minute.
4. Drain the soaked goraka and add it to the pan along with some water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the goraka softens and releases its sour flavor.
5. Add the fish chunks to the pan, stirring gently to coat them with the spice mixture.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt. Bring the curry to a simmer and cook until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Adjust the seasoning if needed and remove the curry from heat.
8. Serve the sour fish curry hot with steamed rice or Sri Lankan breads like roti or hoppers.

Sri Lankan sour fish curry is a delightful combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the richness of the fish. It's a beloved dish that showcases the culinary diversity and richness of Sri Lankan cuisine.