Maldive fish

An essential ingredient in Sri Lankan cooking, Maldive fish is the key ingredient in seeni sambol and adds an authentic Sri Lankan flavour. Made from skipjack tuna that has been boiled, smoked and sun-dried, giving it a salty, subtle smoky flavour and a strong aroma. Sold as chips, pieces or flakes, but try to buy the flakes, as they are easier to pound using a mortar and pestle. The chips are harder and need to be processed in a spice grinder or small food processor. Substitute with ground dried sprats or dried shrimp.