A Side To Your Kiributh.

PB & Jelly, Mac n Cheese, Ham & Cheese, Bacon & Eggs, Cookies & Cream; some food combos are a match made in heaven, to the point that you cannot think of one without the other. Our culinary fare has a bunch of them too, like Kiri-Pani (curd and treacle) and Parippu-Paan (dhal curry and bread), but at the same time, you can mix and match different elements and create a whole bunch of new combinations that taste just as good as the original.

Take kiributh (milk rice) for an instance. Awurudu without kiributh is no awurudu at all, but we make kiributh for various occasions (birthdays, first day at work), and sometimes for no occasion, because it's easy to make and hella delicious. And to kick it up a notch, we always make sure to eat it with some lunu miris or katta sambol; the universally approved go-to accompaniments for kiributh.

However, given that most of us are at self-isolation due to COVID-19, why not try some unorthodox sides to complement your kiributh? Whether it be for awurudu, or simply for the love of kiributh, these combinations are not exactly unknown, but not quite easy to come across either.

Seeni Sambol

Spicy and tangy with a hint of sweetness, this caramelised onion relish would go well with just about anything, including some milky kiributh. A handful of Maldivian fish and aromatics like cloves, cardamom can surely bring its flavours to the next level.

Hakuru

This is one of my personal favourites. I was only 11 when I tried kiributh with hakuru (jaggery), and I've been loving it ever since. In fact, you can include hakuru in the kiributh itself and make a Hakuru Kiributh, rather than having it on the side.

Chilli Paste

Who says that chilli paste is only for fried rice? It's good enough to pair with kiributh too. But don't go with the bottled stuff, just follow the simple steps given above and make some at home.

Sardine Curry

One of the most wallet-friendly ways to get some protein in your system these days, a well-made sardine curry is a bliss to try with kiributh. Our take on this curry involves a whole bunch of spices, chunks of tomato and green chillies to create that delicious ensemble of spicy and tangy. Scoop up the leftovers with some paan.

Chutney

When it comes to glazing up some BBQ or toning down a fiery curry, almost nothing works out better than a chutney. And this fantastic sweet and sour condiment does some brilliant wonders on kiributh too. It's one of the easiest ways of preserving certain fruits as well, so instead of opting for a store-bought one, whip up some at home by following our recipe.

Ambul Thiyal

Image Courtesy: Shikifood

One of the classics invented by our Southerners, ambul thiyal involves marinating fish with a heap of goraka (Malabar tamarind), pepper and salt. It's the perfect harmony of spicy and sour, which pairs well with the milky notes of kiributh.

Black Pork Curry

The porky friend of ambul thiyal, the black pork curry has a complex of flavours that is simply ideal to devour with kiributh. With a bit of heat from pepper, lots and lots of texture and sour kicks from goraka, while the hints of garlic and ginger being that aromatic flavour boost, this can go a very long way.

Chicken/Mutton/Beef Curry

Any meat curry, really, because we Lankans don't fool around with spices. We use them, and we use them right, which is why our curries are fiery and delicious at the same time.

Lunu Amba/ Lunu Dehi

You can easily jolt up your kiributh by trying it with some zesty lunu amba (salted mango) or lunu dehi. But mind you, they're not for the faint-hearted.