Sri Lankan Curry Powder Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thunapa at Home

Sri Lankan Curry Powder Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thunapa at Home



Sri Lankan Native Curry Powder Recipe (Thunapa) is a vibrant and bold condiment that packs a punch of flavors. It's incredibly easy to make in under 20 minutes with only pan-frying and grinding.

In Sri Lankan cooking traditions, homemade curry powder holds a special place, considered not only as a spice blend but also as the essence of authentic flavor. Every household has its own recipe, carefully passed down through generations, that makes it more than just an ingredient—it's a symbol of family heritage. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade blends are freshly roasted and ground, releasing the rich aromas and appetite-enhancing flavors that define the true spirit of Sri Lankan recipes.

For anyone looking to try easy Sri Lankan recipes, mastering curry powder is the first step. It transforms simple dishes like lentil curry, chicken curry, or a plate of stir-fried vegetables convert into meals with flavour and goodness.

This is the Recipe native Sri Lankan spices it’s called “Thunapa” that I am going to make. This is the story about Sri Lankan curry powder “Thunapa”. Nowadays, “Thunapa” means is famous in Coriander, Cumin and Fennel spices only. But “Thunapa” mean three-five, which is a main part of the dish. In the past, in Sri Lanka, three meant salt, sour, and chili flavor of three flavors, and meant five, not five it is called “Pahe” (species). This is how to make Sri Lankan special curry powder correctly “Thunapa” and cooking preparation.

Ingredients and Tools I use for traditional “Thunapa” ( Curry Powder).

Coriander seeds 300g
Cumin seeds 100g 
Fennel seeds 50g 
Mung beans 15g
Cup Dhal 15g
Red raw rice 15g
Fenugreek seeds 10 g
Cloves10g
Cinnamon 10g
Cardamom 10g
Nutmeg and Mace10g
Mustard seeds 10 g
Turmeric powder or turmeric10 g
Curry leaves 🍃 hand full 
Pandan leaves hand full
Dry chill 3 pc
Garlic peel hand full
Star Annies 2pcs

Sri Lankan Curry Powder Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thunapa at Home


Mixing Bowl, frying pan, and Grinder or blender

Wash and dry all these ingredients well and then prepare them separately in the above-mentioned quantities.

Take a bowl and add coriander seeds. cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mung beans, lentils, and red raw rice.

Add also cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, mace, star Annies and mustard seeds

Wash and dry the curry leaves, pandan leaves, and garlic peels, and add them. The garlic peels mentioned here have special herbal properties. Therefore, never throw away the garlic peels.Add dried chilies and pepper as you wish. If you have turmeric pieces, add them along with this.

Sri Lankan Curry Powder Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thunapa at Home



Now put this in a pot on the stove and let it fry, stirring constantly over high heat, until it breaks when crushed, making sure the color doesn't change. 

Note

For best results, dry it thoroughly in the sun and get better greenish and healthy curry powder.

Then, if you are adding turmeric powder to everything that has been fried without the turmeric pieces, add it to this and put it in a blender and grind it. Now you will have some fragrant Sri Lankan special curry powder.

Sri Lankan Curry Powder Recipe: How to Make Authentic Thunapa at Home



Thunapa is a wonderfully adaptable spice blend that can quickly become an essential part of your kitchen. Stir in a teaspoon to your daily curries, toss it into your stir-fries, or use it as a flavorful dry rub on meats. Its rich, smoky fragrance enhances any meal in an instant.

This spice blend is a testament to how a simple touch of tradition can yield remarkable tastes. Incorporate it into your next curry or dhal and see how it elevates ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences.

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