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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
