Sri Lankan Spicy Leeks Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) leeks, trimmed and sliced 500g (1.1 lb) leeks, trimmed and sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2-3 green chilies, sliced 2-3 green chilies, sliced
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced leeks to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the turmeric powder, green chilies, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the chili powder over the leeks and mix well to coat them evenly.
6. 6.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the lime juice over the stir-fry and season with salt to taste. Mix well.
8. 8.
   Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the leeks are tender yet still retain their crunchiness.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
11. 11.
    Serve hot as a side dish or with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Leeks — Make sure to thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any dirt or sand trapped between the layers. Slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Green chilies — Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Tomato paste — If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato puree or ketchup.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of curry leaves to the stir-fry.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
• Serve the leeks mirisata with a dollop of plain yogurt to cool down the spiciness.
• Experiment with different types of chilies to vary the heat level and flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the spicy leeks stir-fry as a side dish alongside a traditional Sri Lankan meal or as a standalone dish with steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the vibrant green leeks stir-fry in a shallow serving dish, allowing the colors to shine through. Sprinkle some additional sliced green chilies on top for an extra pop of color.