Mallung (Sri Lankan Greens with Coconut)
Local name: මැල්ලුම්
In short: Finely shredded greens quickly cooked with onion, green chili, curry leaves and fresh grated coconut, brightened with lime juice. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 120 kcal
Mallung is the green side dish that sits next to rice and curry on most Sri Lankan plates. The leaves, whether gotu kola, kale, spinach or cabbage, are shredded very fine and cooked for only a couple of minutes with onion, green chili and mustard seeds, then finished with grated coconut. It tastes fresh rather than heavy, and it balances rich curries and fiery sambols. No water is added, so the greens stay bright.
Instructions
- Wash the greens, dry them well and shred them as finely as you can. Fine shreds cook quickly and stay tender.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook until they pop.
- Add the onion, garlic, green chilies and curry leaves. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Stir in the turmeric, then add the greens. Toss for 2 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Kale may need 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the coconut and salt and toss for 2 minutes until just warmed through. Do not add water.
- Stir in the lime juice and serve warm with rice and curry.
Tips
- Cabbage mallung is very common: use 300 g (10 oz) finely shredded cabbage and a grated carrot, and cook it for 5 minutes.
- Frozen grated coconut works well. For dried coconut, soak 40 g (1/2 cup) in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes first.
Questions and answers
What greens can I use for mallung?
Gotu kola is classic, but kale, spinach, collard greens, drumstick leaves, cabbage and leeks all work. Shred them very fine for the right texture.
Can I make mallung ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but it keeps 1 day in the fridge. The color dulls, so add a squeeze of lime when you reheat it.
Do I need fresh coconut for mallung?
Fresh or frozen grated coconut gives the best taste. Plain unsweetened desiccated coconut works if you moisten it first.
How long does it take to make Mallung (Sri Lankan Greens with Coconut)?
About 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mallung (Sri Lankan Greens with Coconut)?
About 120 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 120 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
