10/01/2026
Seeni Sambol Recipe | Sri Lankan Sweet & Spicy Onion Relish ~~SAVE NOW~~
Seeni Sambol is a classic Sri Lankan caramelized onion relish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. It is traditionally served with roti, milk rice, hoppers, or even bread. This is how I make my seeni sambol at home, using simple ingredients and slow cooking for maximum flavour.
Ingredients
• Large onions – 3 (thinly sliced)
• Green chilies – 2 (slit)
• Curry leaves & pandan leaves
• Fresh ginger garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Tamarind pulp (thick) – 2 tablespoons
• Sugar – 4 tablespoons
• Cardamom – 3 pods
• Cloves – 3
• Cinnamon stick – 1 small
• Red crushed chili flakes – 2 tablespoons
• Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Maldives fish flakes – 2 tablespoons (optional but recommended)
• Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Salt – 1 teaspoon or to taste
Method
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add curry leaves, pandan leaves, green chilies, ginger garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add sliced onions, half the sugar, tamarind pulp and a little salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions soften and lightly caramelised.
5. Add red chili powder and crushed Chili flakes and maldives fish flakes (optional) . Stir and cook (close the lid) for 10 minutes in medium to low heat.
6. After the onions are translucent, open the lid and add the rest of the sugar mix well and reduce heat to low.
7. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes dark, glossy, and jam-like. This will take another 10 minutes.
9. Remove and discard whole spices and leaves before serving.
Tips
•Slow cooking on low heat is key to deep color and flavor.
•Stir frequently during the final stage to prevent burning.
•Add 1–2 tablespoons of water if the mixture sticks while caramelizing.
•Tastes even better after resting for a few hours.
•Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.