National Dish Sri Lanka: Breadfruit Curry (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Breadfruit Curry, a true gem of Sri Lankan cooking that charms both the palate and the senses! Tender chunks of breadfruit carry a gentle natural sweetness that plays beautifully against a fragrant blend of spices and rich coconut milk. Wholesome, filling and entirely vegetarian, it is just as at home on a busy weeknight as it is at a festive spread. Bring a taste of the island’s warm, aromatic kitchens straight to your own table.
About Breadfruit Curry
Breadfruit Curry is an absolute highlight of Sri Lankan cuisine, a dish that seduces both the palate and the senses. Its star ingredient, the breadfruit, lends a natural sweetness that marries wonderfully with the deep aromatics of the spices. Combined with coconut milk and fresh vegetables, the result is a meal that is not only vegetarian but also satisfying and nourishing. This curry works splendidly for special occasions or as a flavourful everyday meal.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 large ripe breadfruit
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 piece of ginger, grated
- 2–3 green chillies, to taste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Fresh vegetables (e.g. carrots, peppers, peas)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Breadfruit Curry, it is worth choosing the best quality to guarantee an incomparable flavour. The breadfruit should feel firm and be slightly green to have the right ripeness for cooking. Fresh vegetables are ideally bought at a local market, where the quality is usually higher. Be sure to pick up fresh herbs such as coriander too, as they lend the dish a lively, fresh note.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Breadfruit Curry takes only a few steps and just a little patience. Begin by peeling the breadfruit and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. The vegetables should also be washed and chopped into even pieces to ensure a uniform cooking time. This way you can be sure that all the ingredients come together perfectly and the aromas develop to their fullest.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a little oil in a large pot and sauté the onion, garlic and ginger.
- Add the green chillies and fry briefly with the rest.
- Stir in the spices such as turmeric and cumin and toast them for a moment.
- Add the diced breadfruit along with the chopped vegetables and stir everything together well.
- Pour in the coconut milk and let everything simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until the vegetables and breadfruit are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Breadfruit Curry is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with these intolerances. Do take care, however, that all the spices and ingredients you use are also free from gluten. That way you can be certain the dish suits every guest without compromising on flavour or quality. If you would rather avoid coconut milk, a plant-based alternative works just as well.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, Breadfruit Curry is an excellent choice, as it is entirely plant-based. You can add a range of different vegetables to build an even richer variety of nutrients. Experiment with peas, cauliflower or even sweet potatoes to give the dish your own personal stamp — much like the endlessly adaptable Mixed Vegetable Curry. Variations like these ensure the curry never grows dull.
More tips and tricks
To make your Breadfruit Curry even tastier, finish it with a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavours. Let the dish rest briefly after cooking so the aromas have time to deepen. Serve the curry with fragrant rice or a warm flatbread such as Roti for a complete meal. If you fancy more heat, add extra fresh chilli or a little cayenne pepper.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Breadfruit Curry is wonderfully versatile and easy to tailor to your own preferences. Add more fresh chilli if you like it fiery, or hold back on the spices for a milder result. You can also vary the accompaniments, from steamed rice to Coconut Milk Rice or a chunky flatbread. This lets you create a dish that fits your taste exactly.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find breadfruit, other starchy vegetables such as pumpkin or potatoes make a fine stand-in — the same comforting base that shines in a Jackfruit Curry. These are easy to source and offer a similar mouthfeel. When coconut milk is not to hand, another creamy plant-based option such as cashew cream does the job nicely. Vary the spices to your liking to make the dish even more your own.
Drink pairing ideas
To accompany your Breadfruit Curry, reach for light drinks such as a fresh Mango Lassi or a cool glass of coconut water. These pair beautifully with the curry’s spices and bring an extra fruity dimension to the meal. A well-chilled light wheat beer or a fruity sangria can round off the warm flavours of the dish just as well. A refreshing mint tea would be another delicious choice — see our Mango Lassi for a classic pairing.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a key part in impressing your guests with Breadfruit Curry. Serve the curry in a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a scattering of chilli flakes. A few wedges of lime alongside not only add a vivid splash of colour but also invite everyone to drizzle over a little fresh juice themselves. A prettily arranged platter with some rice or a Pumpkin Curry on the side completes the picture.
A bit of history
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its variety and its use of aromatic spices, which carry a long history. Breadfruit is native to the region and has been used across countless dishes for generations. Breadfruit Curry reflects the cultural and historical influences of the island’s many communities, who have blended their ingredients and recipes over time. It is not only a feast for the palate but also a story of tradition and cultural exchange, at the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Breadfruit Curry
Breadfruit Curry offers a delicious and nourishing option for anyone keen to explore the flavours of the tropics. With its unique aromas and colourful mix of ingredients, it is not only easy to prepare but also a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether as a main course or as part of a buffet, this curry delights young and old alike. Let the aromas of Sri Lankan cuisine enchant you and enjoy a little slice of island culture on your plate!
