Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices
A sweet and spicy Sri Lankan caramelized onion relish with fragrant spices, perfect as a condiment to elevate rice and curry meals. This sri lankan-inspired quick meals (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium red onions, thinly sliced, coconut oil, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 3 cloves
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced red onions and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until onions soften and begin to caramelize.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 crushed cardamom pods, 3 cloves, 1 tsp fennel seeds, and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Mix in 1 tbsp tamarind paste and 1/4 cup water, stir to combine, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the onions.
- Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, remove cinnamon stick and whole spices if preferred, and cool to room temperature before serving as a tangy and spicy accompaniment.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Seeni Sambol with Caramelized Onions and Spices vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
