How to make Imbul Kiribath and the history behind it
Imbul Kiribath is a traditional breakfast paddy farmers would take with them when they go to work in the fields. The entire village would help with paddy farming and this Imbul Kiribath would be shared amongst them. Imbul Kiribath is Milk Rice that contains a Pol Pani filling which is made by combining grated Coconut and Caramelized Sugar.
Imbul Kiribath was also traditionally used for relaying the outcome of potential marriage proposals. The bridegroom and his parents would take a box of Imbul Kiribath when visiting the bride and her parents for the first time. The bridegroom and bride will talk and everyone will have lunch together. When it comes time for the bridegroom to leave, the bride will hand back the box of Imbul Kiribath. The groom and his parents will then go home and open the box of Imbul Kiribath. If any of Imbul Kiribath in the box has been eaten by the bride or her family, it means that the bride likes the bridegroom.
If you like these type of unique traditional Sri Lankan Foods, you might be interested in trying my Kiriwadani Breakfast Meal and Muruthan Batha recipes.
Ingredients
- 150g of Sugar
- 500g of White Kekulu Rice
- 250g of grated Coconut
- Crushed Cloves
- Salt
- Coconut Milk from 1 grated Coconut
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp from the 150g of Sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- When the Sugar starts caramelizing, add 1 cup of Water.
- Add the remaining Sugar.
- Once the Sugar has melted and the mixture is bubbling, add 250g of grated Coconut.
- Give this mixture a stir and turn the heat down to low.
- Add Salt to taste.
- Add some crushed Cloves.
- Stir this mixture frequently and keep cooking until the moisture has evaporated.
- Wash 500g of White Kekulu Rice.
- Add the Rice into a pot and add enough Water to cover the Rice.
- Cook over medium heat.
- When it is half cooked, add Salt to taste.
- Add the Coconut Milk from 1 grated Coconut.
- Stir the Rice occasionally while cooking.
- After the Rice is cooked, let it cool down.
- Now add scoops of the Rice into parchment paper and shape it longside.
- Place a scoop of the Pol Pani mixture into the middle of the Rice.
- Using the parchment paper, roll the Rice into the shape of Imbul Rice.
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