Simple Sri Lankan Meal Ideas for Busy Weekdays

Busy weekdays do not have to mean repetitive meals. With a few pantry staples and simple preparation techniques, you can create flavourful Sri Lankan-inspired breakfasts, lunches and dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.

Rice, Dhal and Coconut Sambol

Rice and dhal is one of the easiest comforting meals to prepare. Red lentils cook quickly and can be flavoured with turmeric, curry powder, onion, garlic and coconut milk.

Serve the dhal with steamed rice and coconut sambol. You can also add boiled eggs, fried fish, papadum or a simple vegetable curry.

Quick Vegetable Fried Rice

Cooked rice can be turned into a fast meal with vegetables and simple seasonings. For the best texture, use rice that has cooled completely.

Heat a little oil, then add onion, garlic and mixed vegetables. Add the rice and season with pepper, chilli, soy sauce or your preferred spices. Include egg, chicken, seafood or tofu for additional protein.

Spiced Noodles

Noodles are convenient, versatile and easy to customise. Prepare the noodles according to the package directions, then stir-fry them with vegetables, curry leaves, chilli flakes and a small amount of curry powder.

Add egg, chicken, fish or soy-based protein to create a more substantial meal.

Roti with Curry or Sambol

Roti can be served with leftover curry, dhal, coconut sambol or bottled chutney. Ready-made flour mixes can make the preparation process faster and more consistent.

For a quick filling, combine onion, chilli, grated coconut and canned fish, then serve it inside or alongside freshly cooked roti.

Chickpea Curry

Canned or pre-cooked chickpeas can be transformed into a quick curry. Cook onion, garlic, curry leaves, chilli and curry powder in a little oil. Add the chickpeas, tomato and coconut milk, then simmer until the sauce thickens.

Serve the curry with rice, bread, roti or hoppers.

Coconut Milk Vegetable Curry

A simple coconut milk curry works with many vegetables, including potato, pumpkin, beans, carrots and cauliflower.

Combine the vegetables with onion, curry leaves, turmeric, curry powder and a small amount of water. Once the vegetables are nearly tender, add coconut milk and simmer gently.

String Hoppers with Dhal

String hoppers can be paired with dhal curry, coconut sambol, potato curry or chicken curry. Using a prepared string hopper flour can reduce preparation time.

Prepare extra portions and refrigerate them for another meal, following suitable food-storage practices.

Make Weekday Cooking Easier

• Cook rice in larger batches for multiple meals.
• Prepare curry bases in advance.
• Keep frozen vegetables available for quick cooking.
• Use coconut milk powder when only a small quantity is required.
• Store essential spices together in an accessible location.
• Keep convenient noodles, mixes and canned foods for busy days.

Plan Around Versatile Ingredients

Rice, lentils, noodles, coconut milk, curry powder and frozen vegetables can be used in many combinations. Planning meals around these ingredients reduces preparation time while keeping your weekly menu varied.

Explore Aura International for Sri Lankan groceries, cooking ingredients and convenient products for quick and satisfying family meals.