The culinary corner

The Second Method: A Deeper, Smokier Take on Sri Lanka’s Iconic Fish Ambulthiyal If you’ve tasted true Sri Lankan Fish Ambulthiyal—even once—you know it isn’t just a dish. It’s heritage. It’s preservation. It’s an entire coastal rhythm captured in a few dark, tangy cubes of fish. Most people are familiar with the classic simmered version, where fish is gently cooked in a goraka-rich mixture until dry. But did you know there’s a second method that many home cooks in the Deep South quietly swear by? Today, I’m sharing that alternative:  with the pan-roast spices ,  a method that intensifies flavor, deepens the color, and gives Ambulthiyal its unforgettable, subtle smoky edge. Goraka is the soul of this recipe. If you’re using whole goraka, soak it, soften it, and grind it to a thick paste. Mix it with pepper,  salt, and roasted curry powder. Coat your fish generously. You’ll immediately notice that the final appearance is quite different from the first method—darker, g...

 Lotus Root Curry (නෙලුම් අල කරිය )   Sri Lankan Lotus Root Curry, locally known as Nelum Ala Curry , is one of the island’s most unique and visually stunning dishes. Made from the edible root of the lotus flower—an ingredient valued throughout Asia for its symbolic purity—this curry brings together gentle crunch, creamy textures, and fragrant spices in a way that feels both comforting and refined. The lotus root’s natural pattern of airy holes gives each slice a beautiful, lace-like look, transforming an everyday curry into something naturally elegant. Simmered in coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and aromatic spices, this dish captures the essence of Sri Lankan home cooking: simple ingredients elevated by time-honored techniques. Served with warm rice, roti, or alongside a traditional rice and curry spread, Nelum Ala Curry is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring is...

  Video Link:-  https://youtu.be/wqXb8Rydnrg Baked Salmon: A Tender, Flavor-Rich Classic There’s something irresistible about baked salmon—its natural richness, delicate flakes, and the way it effortlessly absorbs the flavors around it. When paired with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, it transforms into a dish that is both nourishing and elegant.  Imagine a fillet of salmon brushed lightly with olive oil, seasoned with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a hint of lemon. As it bakes, the fish becomes buttery and tender. The result is a balanced meal full of contrasting textures:  melt-in-the-mouth salmon, and aromas of herbs like dill or thyme lifting every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence, this baked salmon dish proves that simplicity often delivers the most satisfying flavors.   🍽️ Baked Salmon with Sauteed Vegetables Ingredients  For the Salmon  1 whole Salmon  50ml Olive oil Salt and black pepper, to t...

 Fish Ambul Thiyal (Method 01) මාළු ඇඹුල්තියල් (01 ක්‍රමය )   Fish Ambulthiyal, Sri Lanka’s beloved sour fish curry, is a dish steeped in tradition and coastal flavor. Made with goraka (a tangy fruit used for preservation), black pepper, and fragrant island spices, this dark, aromatic curry captures the soul of Sri Lankan cuisine. In this post, we’ll explore its origins, authentic recipe, and the secret behind its unmistakable smoky-sour taste. The recipe I am writing is one way of doing it. This is how my grandmother used to make it. This can be kept out for two weeks with out a fridge.         There’s a saying in Sri Lankan kitchens: “If you’ve tasted Ambulthiyal, you’ve tasted the island.” This iconic dish—dark, spicy, and irresistibly tangy—is more than just a curry. It’s a story of preservation, geography, and generations of coastal cooking. In the southern fishing villages of Sri Lanka, Fish Ambulthiyal was originally a way to keep fish fresh ...

 Kale with Coconut  If you’re looking for a vibrant side dish that’s equal parts nourishing and flavorful, Kale with Coconut is the perfect recipe to brighten your table. This dish brings together the hearty earthiness of kale with the creamy richness of coconut, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and exotic. Fresh kale leaves are gently sautéed until tender, then tossed with grated coconut, a hint of garlic, and a touch of spice for depth. The coconut adds a natural sweetness that beautifully balances kale’s slight bitterness, while a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chili flakes can lift the dish with brightness and warmth. It’s quick to prepare, vegan, and packed with nutrients — a wonderful way to add a bit of tropical sunshine to your everyday greens. Serve it alongside rice, grilled proteins, or enjoy it as a simple, wholesome main on its own.   🥥 Kale with Coconut Recipe A simple, vibrant, and nourishing side dish inspired by tro...

How to make Kale chips  If you’re craving a crunchy, guilt-free snack, these air fryer kale chips are your new go-to! They’re light, crispy, and packed with flavor. Unlike store-bought chips, these homemade kale chips are made with just a few simple ingredients and no preservatives. Air frying brings out kale’s natural earthy flavor while keeping it perfectly crisp, not greasy. Whether you enjoy them plain with a touch of salt or dressed up with your favorite seasonings, they’re an easy way to sneak more greens into your day. Serve them as a snack, a side dish, or even as a crunchy salad topper. Once you try these, you might never go back to potato chips! 🥬 Ingredients 1 bunch of kale (preferably curly) 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (or spray oil for lighter coating) ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste) (I am using garlic and herb seasoning)_1   2 tbsp  Corn flour  Optional seasonings Garlic powder    Smoked paprika  Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy fl...

  Gotukola : The Ancient Herb That Soothes Arthritis Naturally Gotu kola — also known as Centella asiatica , Indian pennywort , or Vallarai (in Tamil) — is a traditional herb widely used in Asian cuisines and Ayurvedic medicine. It’s known for supporting joint health , circulation , and cognitive function , making it popular as a natural aid for arthritis and inflammation.   If you’ve ever wandered through a tropical garden in Sri Lanka, India, or Southeast Asia, you might spot a humble, fan-shaped leaf creeping along the ground — Gotu Kola , also known as Indian Pennywort or Centella asiatica . Though small in appearance, this herb carries centuries of healing wisdom.   Traditionally used in Ayurveda and Asian folk medicine, Gotu Kola is known as a natural remedy for joint pain , arthritis , and inflammation . And the best part? You can turn it into a delicious, nourishing stir-fry that pairs beautifully with rice or even flatbread.   Here’s a simple and tasty G...