Cuisines : Lamprais- how to make this traditional Sri Lankan dish


Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish with Dutch Burgher origins. The name "Lamprais" comes from the Dutch words lomprijst, meaning "a packet of rice." This dish consists of flavorful rice cooked in stock, accompanied by a selection of curries, meat, a fried boiled egg, sambols, and a special blachan (shrimp paste), all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked to infuse the flavors. Traditionally, it includes a combination of beef, pork, and chicken, but variations exist to suit different preferences.

How to Prepare Sri Lankan Lamprais

Ingredients:

For the Lamprais Rice:
  • 2 cups short-grain rice
  • 4 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp ghee or butter
  • 2-inch cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Mixed Meat Curry:
  • 250g chicken, cubed
  • 250g beef, cubed
  • 250g pork, cubed (optional, for traditional flavor)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp Sri Lankan curry powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water or stock
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
For the Brinjal (Eggplant) Moju:
  • 2 medium eggplants, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 green chili, sliced
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying
For the Blachan (Shrimp Paste):
  • 2 tbsp dried shrimp, ground
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
Additional Components:
  • 4 boiled eggs (fried in oil until golden)
  • 4 banana leaves (lightly warmed to soften)
  • 4 fried meatballs (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  1. Wash and drain the rice.
  2. Heat ghee or butter in a pan, then add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf.
  3. Add the rice and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the stock, add salt, and cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixed Meat Curry

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add the curry powder, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir well.
  3. Add the meat, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and cook until browned.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and stock, cover, and let simmer until the meat is tender and the curry thickens.

Step 3: Prepare the Brinjal Moju

  1. Deep fry the eggplant strips until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil.
  2. Heat a little oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, onions, and green chili.
  3. Add vinegar, sugar, chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
  4. Toss the fried eggplant in the mixture and cook for a few minutes until coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Blachan (Shrimp Paste)

  1. Dry roast the ground shrimp until fragrant.
  2. Mix it with onion, chili flakes, salt, sugar, and lime juice to form a thick paste.

Step 5: Assemble the Lamprais Packets

  1. Place a banana leaf on a flat surface.
  2. Spoon a portion of rice in the center.
  3. Arrange a serving of mixed meat curry, brinjal moju, blachan, a fried boiled egg, and a fried meatball (if using) around the rice.
  4. Fold the banana leaf securely into a packet and tie with a string if needed.

Step 6: Bake the Lamprais

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the banana leaf packets on a baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Serving the Lamprais

  • Serve hot, directly in the banana leaf for an authentic experience.
  • Enjoy with a side of pickles or coconut sambol.

Tips for the Best Lamprais

  • Use homemade stock for the best rice flavor.
  • Prepare in advance – The components can be made ahead of time for easier assembly.
  • Banana leaves add aroma – If unavailable, parchment paper can be used, but the traditional flavor may be lost.
  • Adjust spice levels to taste.

Lamprais is a labor-intensive but rewarding dish, bringing together multiple textures and flavors in one beautifully wrapped meal. Enjoy this Sri Lankan classic as a special treat!


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