Kitchen Recipe Collection
Sri Lankan Kiri Hodi (Coconut Milk Gravy)
A mild, golden, creamy Sri Lankan coconut milk gravy tempered with mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves — poured over string hoppers or rice for an authentic and comforting breakfast.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- sri lankan
Ingredients
Scaled for 4 servings
- thick coconut milk
- onion
- green chilies
- garlic
- turmeric
- mustard seeds
- curry leaves
- pandan leaf
- fenugreek seeds
- lime juice
- salt
Equipment
- Saucepan
Instructions
- 1
Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sliced onion, sliced green chilies, crushed garlic, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and pandan leaf.
- 2
Simmer Gently
Place on medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle simmer. Do NOT let it boil rapidly or the coconut milk may split.
- 3
Temper Mustard Seeds
In a separate small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil until very hot. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Pour this tempering over the simmering coconut milk.
- 4
Season
Season with salt and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust.
- 5
Serve
Pour over string hoppers, pittu, or rice.
Cooking Tips
- Never allow kiri hodi to boil at high heat — gentle simmering keeps the coconut milk smooth and creamy without splitting.
- Fenugreek seeds add a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
- Use thick, high-quality coconut milk for the richest flavor.
Variations
- Sothi: A thinner, brothier version from Tamil-influenced Northern Sri Lanka with more onion and green chili, served over rice.
- Spiced Kiri Hodi: Add a small piece of cinnamon and two cardamom pods for a more aromatic version.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- Kiri Hodi is one of the most gentle and universally loved Sri Lankan preparations, often the first solid food given to weaning babies.
- Storage: Best made fresh. Keeps in the fridge for 1 day.
Nutrition Estimate
145 calories · 2g protein · 11g carbs · 11g fat · 1g fiber per serving
