A Sri Lankan fresh coconut relish — spicy, tangy, and addictive.

Method

  1. Put all the ingredients into a pestle and mortar and pound until well combined — the coconut should be slightly broken down but still have texture.
  2. Taste and adjust: more lime for acidity, more chilli for heat, more salt if needed.
  3. Serve as a condiment alongside rice and curry.

Ingredients

  • 100g freshly grated coconut (or desiccated, rehydrated)
  • 2 shallots, finely sliced
  • 2 fresh red chillies, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Hints & Tips

  • Fresh chilli is best, but dried/powdered chilli is fine — use 1/2 tsp.
  • Loosen with a little coconut water if it seems dry.
  • Desiccated coconut works but soak it in warm water for 10 minutes first and drain well.