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Alu Kesel (Sri Lankan Ash Plantain Curry)

Alu Kesel (Sri Lankan Ash Plantain Curry) is a traditional Sri Lankan recipe for the classic lightly-spiced curry of plantains and onions in coconut milk that's typically served as an accompaniment. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Sri Lankan version of: Sri Lankan Ash Plantain Curry (Alu Kesel).

prep time

10 minutes

cook time

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Serves:

4

Rating: 4.5 star rating

Tags : CurryVegan RecipesSpice RecipesSri-lanka Recipes


This is a classic vegan Sri Lankan curry of ash plantains (a short but thick variety of plantain with bright green skin when unripe) in a coconut milk gravy flavoured with pandan (screwpine) leaf. Traditionally this is served as an accompaniment.

Ingredients:

4 ash plantains (or green plantains)
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
A sprig of curry leaves
5cm (2-in) piece of pandan leaf
1 medium onion, finely sliced
3cm (1-in) piece of cinnamon
1 tsp mustard seeds
250ml (1 cup) of water
250ml (1 cup) of thick coconut milk

Method:

To prepare the ash plantains, fill a bowl with water and add a pinch of salt and turmeric (this will prevent the plantains from discolouring).

Using a paring knife, peel the plantain skin (make sure to remove all traces of the skin) then cut the flesh into diagonal pieces and immediately transfer to the bowl of water. Be quick here, as the plantains oxidize and discolour as soon as they’re exposed to the air.

Place a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the curry leaves, onions, cinnamon, pandan leaf, green chilli and mustard seeds. Dry fry for 1 minute then drain and add in the plantain pieces and the 250ml (1 cup) water.

Bring to a boil, reduce to a low simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes, until the plantain are beginning to soften.

At this point add the coconut milk, return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the plantains are tender and the gravy is thick and creamy.

Serve hot as an accompaniment to rice and your favourite curry.