Sri Lankan Parippu is comfort in a bowl — creamy, mild, nourishing, and deeply nostalgic. Growing up on the island, parippu wasn’t just a curry; it was a constant. Breakfast with toast, lunch with rice, dinner with roti… it showed up at every meal, quietly holding the plate together.
Even now, far from Sri Lanka, I turn to this dish when I want something quick, wholesome, and kid‑approved. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a creamy lentil curry that’s vegan, gluten‑free, and packed with plant‑based protein. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and keep in your weekly rotation.
If you’re building simple, nourishing routines for your family, this one belongs in your meal planner.
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Why You’ll Love This Sri Lankan Parippu
- One‑pot simplicity
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Budget‑friendly pantry ingredients
- Only 5 core ingredients
- Kid‑approved and mild
- Vegan + gluten‑free
- High in plant‑based protein
- Versatile — serve with rice, roti, or as a soup
- Authentic Sri Lankan flavour
🌿 Just a friendly reminder: I’m a passionate foodie, not a certified nutrition or health professional. Everything shared here — recipes, tips, and food inspiration — is meant for enjoyment and creativity in your kitchen. For dietary guidance or health concerns, always consult a qualified professional.
Sri Lankan Parippu Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and soak the red lentils for 10-15 minutes to help them cook faster and improve digestibility (the soaking is optional).
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high temperature.
- Add mustard seeds to let them pop. Combine curry leaves and dried red chili pepper to the oil until crisps lightly.
- Next, add sliced onions and sauté until lightly golden. Add tomatoes and cook until softens.
- Stir in curry powder and chili powder to season.
- Add lentils, green chili pepper, garlic, turmeric, salt, and enough water. Mix everything together and continue to cook until it starts to boil. Then bring down the heat to low.
- Stir in coconut milk powder and simmer until the lentils soften and the water reduces to a thicker consistency.
- Finish with cilantro mixed in. Taste test to balance the salt and if your happy with the overall consistency, remove and enjoy.
- Tips:Adjust water based on your preferred consistency. If too thick, add more water. If it's too runny, remove some of the top layer water and continue to cook until thickens or add a half tablespoon of coconut milk powder to thicken.The core ingredients can be cooked together, this makes the most simplest form of making parippu. The tempering step enhances aroma and overall flavour. The Tempering Ingredients can be done alone to pour over the parippu made with just the core ingredients to enhance the flavour and freshness.Add spinach instead of cilantro at the end for extra nutrient boost.Coconut milk powder can be replaced by freshly squeezed coconut milk, canned coconut milk, whole milk or not use it at all, just stick to the water.
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Sri Lankan Parippu Pairs Well With
- Steamed bowl of rice
- Rice and curry meals
- Ghee rice
- Lamprais meal
- Toasts
- Flatbreads like coconut roti, chapati, or other roties
- String hoppers
Got Leftovers?
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freeze – Skip the coconut milk and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat – Thaw and reheat over stovetop with water or coconut milk. For extra aroma, do the tempering and pour over the reheated curry.
FAQ — Sri Lankan Parippu Recipe
Is parippu the same as dhal?
Yes — parippu is the Sri Lankan word for red lentils (masoor dhal).
Can I make this without coconut milk?
Yes. Use whole milk or water for a lighter version.
Why is my parippu too thick?
When there isn’t enough liquid or after cooking when cooling down, it can easily become thicker in consistency. Parts of Sri Lankan locals do like their parippu on the thick side. This can be fixed by adding more water and simmer until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I make this spicy?
To increase the heat-level, add more chili powder, sliced green chilies, or temper sundried red chili pepper in oil then mix it in the parippu.
Can I skip the tempering?
Yes, absolutely! For kids this is perfect but tempering adds aroma and depth.
🍽️ Craving more? From vegan‑friendly dishes, meat‑lovers favorites, to soul-food from the island, there’s a burst of flavor waiting in every recipe. Cook to satisfy your cravings — one delicious bite at a time.
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