Seeni Sambol

Description

Sweet, Spicy & Full of Flavour.

Sri Lankan Seeni Sambol is a sweet and spicy caramelised onion relish that’s deeply flavourful and aromatic. Made primarily with sliced red onions slowly cooked down with spices, dried chillies, curry leaves, pandan leaf, tamarind, and a touch of sugar, it achieves a rich balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Often cooked until dark and jam-like, Seeni Sambol is a staple in Sri Lankan households. It is commonly used as a condiment or filling for buns, sandwiches, and roti, and also served as a side dish with rice, string hoppers, or milk rice (kiri bath). Its bold taste and long shelf life make it a beloved and versatile addition to Sri Lankan cuisine.

Richly spiced with cinnamon, cloves & cardamom
Contains real Maldives fish
Great with any meal

🧂 Processing

The preparation starts by thinly slicing a large quantity of red onions, which form the base of the sambol. In a pan, whole spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, pandan leaf, and dried red chillies are tempered in oil until fragrant. The sliced onions are then added and sautéed over low heat for an extended period to allow them to soften and caramelise slowly. Tamarind juice is added for a tangy flavour, along with sugar or jaggery to balance the heat with sweetness. Additional spices like chilli powder and salt are mixed in. The sambol is cooked until it becomes dark, glossy, and jam-like in texture. Once cooled, it can be stored for weeks in an airtight container, making it a long-lasting and convenient condiment.

🎨 Colour & Appearance

Seeni Sambol has a rich, dark brown colour with a glossy, almost sticky appearance due to the caramelisation of onions and sugar. The onions are soft, finely wilted, and well-coated in a thick, syrupy glaze. You’ll often see visible flecks of dried red chilli, curry leaves, and sometimes pieces of pandan leaf. Its deep hue and slightly oily sheen give it a warm, appetising look that reflects its intense sweet, sour, and spicy flavour profile.

🍽 Food Applications

• Breakfast Accompaniment: Commonly served with kiri bath (milk rice), string hoppers, hoppers, or roti.

• Bun Filling: A popular spicy-sweet filling for Sri Lankan seeni sambol buns or stuffed bread rolls.

• Rice & Curry Side: Used as a flavourful condiment to complement savoury curries and rice.

• Sandwich Spread: Adds a rich, spicy twist to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.

• Travel-Friendly Food: Due to its long shelf life, it’s ideal for lunch packs and travel meals.

• Party & Snack Platters: Used in appetisers like cutlets, pastries, or as a topping for crackers or mini toasts.

🧾 Ingredients

Onion, Chilli pieces, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom, Tamarind, Sugar, Curry powder, Vegetable oil, Maldives fish pieces.

✅ Dietary Info

• High in Protein: Made from firm, meaty fish like tuna, it’s an excellent source of lean animal protein.

• Low in Carbohydrates: Contains minimal to no carbs, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Especially when prepared with fatty fish, promoting heart and brain health.

• No Dairy or Gluten: Naturally free from gluten and dairy, ideal for those with dietary restrictions.

• Natural Preservative: Goraka (Garcinia cambogia) acts as a natural preservative, giving the dish a long shelf life without additives.

• Low in Moisture & Fat: The dry preparation reduces fat content, especially when made with minimal oil.

• Spice Level: Typically medium to high in spiciness due to black pepper and chilli, but can be adjusted to taste.

🕒 Storage & Shelf Life

Store in a cool, dry place.  Transfer contents to a clean, dry container after opening and Refrigerate. Best enjoyed within 2–3 months to retain freshness and flavour.

📦 Packaging

Packaged in can’s that seal in aroma and taste. Available in compact sizes for daily use and larger jars for culinary professionals. Wholesale options tailored for retailers.

Additional information