1 tsp black peppercorns
1 Tbs Maldive fish flakes (see Glossary)
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp hot paprika
1 large fresh coconut, scraped or 100g desiccated coconut, combined with 100mL water
Juice of 1 lime
Place the peppercorns and Maldive fish flakes in a large mortar and grind with a pestle until a coarse paste forms.
Add the onion, chilli powder and paprika and pound until a coarse paste forms, then add the coconut and pound until thoroughly combined.
Stir in the lime juice, a little at a time so the sambal is not too sour, then season to taste with salt.
Sambal will keep, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Credits: Peter Kuruvita
Photo Credits: Murdoch Books - Serendip - My Sri Lankan Kitchen
