Sri Lankan Cucumber Sambol (Pipinna Sambol)

Sri Lankan cucumber salad, or Cucumber Sambol (Pipinna Sambol), is a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy dish that pairs perfectly with rice and curry.

Ingredients:

1 large cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced)

1 small red onion (thinly sliced)

1 green chili (sliced, adjust to taste)

1 small tomato (chopped, optional)

2 tbsp lime or lemon juice

¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp chili flakes or chili powder (optional, for extra heat)

1 tbsp fresh grated coconut (optional)

A few chopped curry leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. If it has too many seeds, remove them.
2. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with sliced onion, green chili, and tomato.
3. Add lime juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Toss everything well.
4. If you like, mix in grated coconut and curry leaves for extra flavor.
5. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors blend together before serving.

It’s a simple, refreshing, and flavorful salad! Want to try any variations?