Sri Lankan Leek Stir-Fry

LEEKS THEMPARADUWA — as we call it in Sri Lanka — is a vibrant vegan dish made by stir-frying leeks with a blend of aromatic spices. While many tend to cook it down until the color fades and the texture softens, I’ve taken a different approach: preserving the leeks’ beautiful green color and natural crispness.

This version keeps the original taste of leeks intact, enhancing them just enough with carefully selected spices. It’s a perfect recipe for those who enjoy their vegetables with a bit of crunch and bold flavor.

Give it a try and let us know in the comments — do you prefer this fresher take, or are you loyal to the classic, well-cooked version?

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Ingredients:

• 200g leeks, sliced into rounds

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• 8–10 curry leaves, chopped

• 3-inch pandan leaf, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green or red chilli, slit or chopped (depending on preference)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 2 tsp chili flakes

• ¼ cup diced tomato (or 1 small tomato)

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Directions:

1: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2: Add chopped curry leaves and pandan leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.

3: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chilli. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

4: Add the turmeric powder and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

5: Add the stalk (white/light green part) of the leeks first. Cook for 3–5 minutes until they start to soften.

6:Season with salt and pepper at this stage, mixing well into the aromatics.

7: Add the remaining leek slices (green parts), stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and the leeks are tender but not mushy.

8: Add chili flakes, mix well, then add the diced tomato about 1 minute before removing from heat.

9: Stir and cook uncovered for another minute, or until the tomatoes soften and blend slightly into the stir-fry.

10: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Suggested Meal Match: Warm rice, Leeks stir-fry, Runny egg (sunny side up), Lentil curry, Carrot curry

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