Reviews of Jayaflava

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‘Jayaflava’ is quite simply an amazing cookbook.  This collection of Sri Lankan recipes really portray what ‘spiced’ means!  

 

The book is informative and interesting, revealing the author’s passion and understanding of Sri Lankan cuisine and her desire to share it with the world.  Colourful images and interesting commentary inform the reader about the origins of the dishes in terms of Sri Lankan culture, history and heritage.  Notes about keeping and mixing spices are very helpful both to those just beginning to experiment with spice and to more experienced cooks too.   But please, don’t keep this book just as a ‘coffee table’ read.  It’s evident that it’s been lovingly written to be used as an aid to cooking, thus enabling us to share the secrets of expertly matching spices and foods to recreate delicious and exciting dishes for ourselves.

 

My favourite recipes are for Chicken Curry Puffs which are light and delicious and ideal for a party.  I’m also very partial to the Pol Roti; coconutty and delicious!  Mind you, the Malay Pickle recipe is amazing and could be used to compliment any number of dishes.  Then there’s the Black Pork Curry and the wonderful Mirasata Malu Curry, a fish curry like no other!  The list goes on!

 

There’s also a range of innovative veggie dishes to choose from such as Ala Thel Dhala, Chilli Fried Potatoes (absolutely out of this world!) and the intriguing Pineapple Curry.

 

And for dessert?  For me, it just has to be the Lime Coconut Cake!

 

I’ve long wanted to visit Sri Lanka, mostly for the cuisine as I like spice and this book has increased my wish to do that.  However, until I have time to go I’ll be content with working my way through the other dishes contained here.