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Pol Sambol recipe: Delicious coconut relish for every meal

Pol Sambol, a vibrant coconut relish hailing from Sri Lanka, is a delightful vegan accompaniment that elevates any meal. This fresh and zesty dish combines the rich texture of grated coconut with the aromatic flavours of onion, garlic, and green chilli, creating a relish that bursts with tropical flair. With just a handful of ingredients, including fresh curry leaves and a squeeze of lime, this coconut relish is not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to introduce exciting flavours into your cooking.

Perfect for serving alongside rice and curry or as a spread on flatbreads, Pol Sambol is versatile and invigorating. This dish is ideal for those looking to enhance their meals with healthy, plant-based ingredients, while also being an excellent source of dietary fibre. Enjoy it as a refreshing side that can complement a variety of dishes, adding a touch of Sri Lankan tradition to your dining table.

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Ingredients for Pol sambol (coconut relish)

  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped

  • 1 garlic clove, halved

  • 1 medium tomato, cut into quarters

  • 5 black peppercorns

  • 1 green chilli, deseeded

  • 2–3 g chilli powder

  • 5 fresh curry leaves

  • 200 g freshly grated or desiccated coconut

  • 1 tsp Maldive fish, crushed (optional)

  • juice of ½ lime

  • salt

How to make Pol sambol (coconut relish)

  1. Place the onion, garlic, tomato, black peppercorns, green chilli, chilli powder, and curry leaves into a food processor. Blitz until you achieve a fine paste.

  2. Transfer the paste to a medium bowl and add the coconut and Maldive fish (if using). Mix well by hand.

  3. Add the lime juice and salt to taste, mixing thoroughly.

  4. Garnish with a few crushed curry leaves, if desired.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 7 Aug 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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