Rice and curry facts for kids
A rice and curry dish from Sri Lanka
|
|
| Type | Curry |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Rice or kiribath, vegetable or meat curry, spices (chili peppers, cardamom, cumin, coriander) |
Rice and curry is a super popular meal, especially in Sri Lanka. It's also loved in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. It's not just one dish, but a whole meal with several tasty parts!
Contents
What's in a Rice and Curry Meal?
A typical rice and curry dinner includes a few different dishes served together. This makes for a colorful and flavorful meal.
The Rice
The main part of the meal is a large bowl of rice. Most of the time, the rice is boiled. Sometimes, people serve kiribath, which is a special rice cooked in coconut milk.
The Curries
You will usually find different kinds of curries in a rice and curry meal:
- A vegetable curry, which might be made with green beans, jackfruit, or leeks.
- A meat curry, often with chicken or fish. Sometimes, it can be goat or lamb.
- Dhal, which is a creamy dish made from spiced lentils.
Side Dishes
To complete the meal, there are usually some exciting side dishes:
- Papadums are thin, crispy wafers. They are made from flour, often from beans or rice. They add a nice crunch to the meal.
- Sambals are fresh, spicy side dishes. They are like chutneys. They can be made with red onion, chili peppers, grated coconut, and lime juice. Sambals are often the spiciest part of the meal!
Each bowl of curry or side dish has a small amount. But don't worry, if you finish a bowl, it can be refilled right away!
The Flavor of Rice and Curry
The curries in this meal use many different spices. These include chili peppers, cardamom, cumin, and coriander. These spices give the food a very special taste.
Spiciness Levels
Some of the curries, especially from Southern Sri Lanka, are very spicy. They are known for having a lot of chili. In fact, some people believe they are among the spiciest foods in the world!
People who grow up eating these foods get used to the spiciness. But many visitors to Sri Lanka find the food too hot. Because of this, many restaurants in tourist areas offer milder versions. They might also have a "Western" menu for visitors. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of Sri Lanka.
See also
In Spanish: Arroz al curry para niños
