Kool (Sri Lankan Hearty Seafood Soup)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka with Kool, a hearty seafood soup that combines fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables into a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting family dish, Kool is a must-try for seafood lovers seeking a taste of coastal Sri Lankan cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crab meat (or 2 small crabs, cleaned and chopped)
• 1 cup prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup firm white fish, cut into chunks
• 1 cup squid, sliced into rings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 cup drumstick (moringa) pods, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup pumpkin, cut into cubes
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 4 cups water or seafood stock
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

   Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and fenugreek seeds. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn translucent.

2. Add Spices and Vegetables

   Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and black pepper. Add chopped tomato, pumpkin, drumstick pods, and green beans. Cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables.

3. Add Seafood and Simmer

   Pour in water or seafood stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add crab, prawns, fish, and squid, then cover and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is tender and fully cooked.

4. Finish with Coconut Milk and Lime

   Stir in coconut milk and simmer gently for 5 more minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat and add lime juice for a fresh, zesty finish.

5. Serve

   Ladle the Kool into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of seafood and vegetables. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for color and aroma.

Serving

Serve Kool hot with steamed rice, bread, or traditional Sri Lankan roti. The rich seafood flavors combined with aromatic spices make this soup a comforting and memorable dish.

Delight in the authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s coastal cuisine with Kool, a seafood soup that is both hearty and full of complex, layered flavors.