The Spice of Sri Lanka Cooking

Sri Lanka conjures up bright colors and fiery spices.The same is true for their foods. They are hot yet sweet, flavorful yet full of regular ingredients. A dish from this tropical island is the perfect antidote for a cold day's dinner.

Dave Tanis tried Sri Lankan food in his City Kitchen  column in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. His recipe is the tasty and flavorful coconut chicken curry with cashews. This is a meal to make either for guests or simply for a regular weekday. it;s also the perfect chill chaser with turmeric and cayenne to give it heat. Sri Lankan food is similar to Southern Indian food  and the dish is laced with the spicy coriander and, cardamon and ginger.> Cashews are added for crunch and  they work well with the chicken , Tanis uses.

Sri Lankan food is pretty easy to make, especially if you're familiar with cooking  southern Indian food. it is highly spiced, perfect to go with the tea the island is known for (remember  that Sri Lanka was formerly known as  Ceylon and was a huge tea colony under British rule)Cashews are also a hallmark of the cuisine and the Portuguese who also ruled the island in the 1600's. Coconut milk is also used in the dish. Rice is usually served.with it but if you want you can also serve roti to scoop up the sauce and meat.

There's nothing like a fragrant hot meal from an exotic country to liven up a winter's table. Try this dish to give color and flavor to your dinner or party. It's like a culinary vacation for your palate.