The culinary corner

  Bitter Gourd: The Powerfully Bitter Miracle of Nature Bitter gourd — also known as bitter melon or karela  කරවිල— is one of nature’s most underrated super foods. Don’t let its sharp, bitter taste fool you; beneath that rough green skin lies a treasure of nutrients and healing properties. This unique vegetable is cherished across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its remarkable ability to support health and vitality. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and plant-based compounds that help regulate blood sugar, bitter gourd has long been a staple in traditional medicine. It’s known to boost digestion, purify the blood, and strengthen immunity — making it a powerful ally for overall wellness. From spicy Indian curries to refreshing herbal juices, this humble vegetable finds its place in both kitchens and natural healing traditions around the world.   Though its bitterness may take some getting used to, many who embrace bitter gourd swear by its transformative effects....

Mustard Leaves  Mustard leaves, also known as mustard greens, are leafy vegetables from the Brassica family, closely related to cabbage, kale, and broccoli. They have broad, tender green leaves with frilly or smooth edges depending on the variety. The flavor is sharp, peppery, and slightly spicy—similar to arugula or horseradish—especially when raw, but it mellows when cooked. Mustard greens are fast-growing, cool-season plants that thrive in spring and fall, and they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. I planted seeds directly into the soil about ½ inch deep and spaced them 6 inches apart. Germination was fast—tiny sprouts started showing in just 4 days! The seedlings are vibrant green and already developing slightly ruffled leaves. Now look how curly they are. So far, no signs of pests. Added a light mulch layer today to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Watering every 2 days, depending on weather. The soil is staying nicely moist but not soggy.My...

How to do a squid stir fry A squid stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish, bringing together the delicate tenderness of squid with the bold, aromatic elements of Asian stir-fry. The result is a savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich meal with a fresh, oceanic note and a vibrant mix of textures and colors. I am cooking a simple version of a quick stir fry...    Ingredients  5 00g cleaned squid 5 cloves crushed Garlic 4 large red chilies or Capsicum sliced  1 whole leek sliced 1 tea spoon Paprika or chilli powder  oil for stir frying      In this recipe I am using defrosted frozen squid. If you are using the same please make sure remove all the liquid before following the next few steps.   Defrosting method  In the fridge until tender. It will take at least 24 hours to defrost properly. If not you can cook it directly in salted hot water and remove all excess water.    Cooking...   Add oil to a pan and fry onion, c...

 Banana Peels..... Using banana peels as fertilizer is a natural and effective way to enrich your garden soil and support healthy plant growth. Banana peels are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium—elements that are particularly beneficial for flowering and fruiting plants. These nutrients help strengthen plant cell walls, promote root development, and improve overall resilience. I make a a fertilizer for my plants using banana peels. I add all the peels in a bucket and the fill water to the top. The I add 100g of baking soda and sugar. The mixture get fermented and I dilute it in water before using for the plants. (1 Part banana water to 6 parts of water) This is a very mild fertilizer. But it helps the plants to grow with out any chemicals.    T his one of the making fertilizer with the banana peels. Make sure to cover after every use. I don't throw them. When You add baking soda it has no smell. During this time, minerals l...

R eachable height To grow a fig tree to a reachable height (i.e., one where you can easily harvest fruit without a ladder), you’ll need to use a combination of pruning, training, and choosing the right variety . Here's a straightforward guide:  This is one of my fig trees that I am training to stay to a height I desire. I prune every other year so it can maintain the height  that I like. The leaves become healthier . I hang my hanging pots on branches so the bend with out my effort.  Here is a picture to show how low my fig tree grows. Its below the fence line.    I will train all the branches hanging my pots or tie with wires.   ✂️ Prune to Control Height       When to prune: Late winter or very early spring (while dormant) Light summer pruning (after fruiting) to shape        How to prune: In the first year, cut the main trunk back to about 2–3 feet to encourage low branching. In the following years, prune...

  Kale Tempura    ......is a delicious and crispy Japanese-style snack or appetizer made by lightly battering kale leaves and deep-frying them until golden and crunchy. It’s a great way to enjoy kale in a new and indulgent form while still getting some of its nutrients!   I am using the red Russian Kale.   🥬 Kale Tempura Recipe 📝 Ingredients: F resh kale leaves (curly or Red Russian work well) 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup corn flour 1 egg , lightly beaten 1 cup ice-cold water (very cold is key!) Pinch of salt Oil for deep-frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes , sesame seeds , or lemon zest for garnish Serve with: tempura dipping sauce , soy sauce , or ponzu   👨‍🍳 Instructions: Prep the Kale: Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove tough stems; keep medium-sized leaves whole for best results. Make the Tempura Batter: In a bowl, mix the cold water and egg. Add flour an...

Russian Kale Russian kale , specifically Red Russian kale , is a unique variety of kale known for its tender leaves , sweet flavor , and distinctive appearance . It's a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike for its versatility and cold-hardiness.     🌿 Red Russian Kale – Quick Overview: Scientific Name : Brassica napus (var. pabularia) Family : Brassicaceae (mustard family) Origin : Thought to have originated in Siberia and brought to Canada/Russia in the 19th century Hardiness : Very cold-tolerant; thrives in early spring and fall Growth : Fast-growing, ready for harvest in about 50 days 🥬 Appearance: Leaves : Flat, fringed or lobed (oak-like shape), unlike curly kale Color : Blue-green leaves with purple veins and stems Texture : More tender than many other kale, especially when young 🌱 Taste & Culinary Use: Flavor : Milder and sweeter than curly kale, with a slight nuttiness Young leaves : Great raw in salads or smoothies Mature lea...

  In a world that constantly urges us to move faster, do more, and chase the next thing, there’s something quietly radical about slowing down.    There’s a kind of magic in food that hasn’t traveled thousands of miles or sat on a shelf for weeks  Fresh vegetables are the heart of my cooking. They don’t need much — just a little love, maybe a splash of olive oil, and a bit of salt. Simplicity lets their true flavors shine. Watch my video here   https://youtu.be/cfBNDjJ5vIw Slow living isn't about doing everything slowly — it's about doing things intentionally . When I cook with fresh veggies, I'm reminded to pause. To enjoy the rhythm of chopping, the scent of herbs in the air, the warmth of the oven. To be where I am. Eating seasonally, shopping at the local market, and taking time to prepare food — it all becomes part of a slower, more connected way of life. Ruffey Lake Park    Melbourne is home to some of the most delightful public parks and Ruffey ...

  🌱 3. How to Grow Gotukola at Home (Step-by-Step) I have seen Gotukola plants in tube pots in lot of garden centers in Melbourne.   You can directly plant them in garden beds or in containers. The other way is asking a friend for few plants. As far as I know there are 3 varieties.   🌞 Ideal Growing Conditions: Light: Partial sun or light shade (4–6 hrs sunlight) Soil: Rich, loamy, and well-draining with good moisture retention Water: Keep soil consistently moist (never let it fully dry) 🧑‍🌾 Steps to Grow: From Seeds: Fill a shallow container or pot with fertile soil. Sprinkle seeds on the surface and cover lightly with soil. Mist with water and keep in a warm spot (22–30°C / 72–86°F). Seeds germinate in 7–21 days. Thin out seedlings once they sprout, keeping the healthiest. From Cuttings (faster): Take a healthy runner/stem from an existing plant. Place in water or moist soil until roots form. Transplant to a pot or ground be...

  Gotukola (also spelled Gotu kola ) is a small, leafy green herb commonly used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda , Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , and Sri Lankan herbal traditions. Its scientific name is Centella asiatica .          🌿 Key Information About Gotukola: ✅ Botanical Name: Centella asiatica ✅ Common Names:   Indian pennywort.  Asiatic pennywort ,Brahmi (sometimes confused with Bacopa monnieri),Mandukaparni (in Sanskrit) ✅ Native To: India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa 🥗 Culinary Use: In Sri Lanka , Gotukola Sambol is a popular salad made with finely chopped gotukola, grated coconut, lime juice, onion, and salt. It’s eaten with rice and curry.   🥗 1. Gotukola Sambol – Traditional Sri Lankan Recipe A refreshing raw herb salad that's packed with nutrients and flavor. ✳️ Ingredients: 1 cup Gotukola leaves , finely chopped (stems removed, washed thoroughly) ¼ cup freshly...

 My recipe for making oats with Gotukola.  Video recipe..... https://youtu.be/O8X8G8kICxk?si=Hs5ItdsrnRO0zp8   Botanical Name:  Centella asiatica Common Names: Indian pennywort Asiatic pennywort Brahmi (sometimes confused with Bacopa monnieri) Mandukaparni (in Sanskrit) Native To: India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa Gotukola is prized for its medicinal and cognitive-enhancing properties. Here are some well-known benefits: Benefit Description 🧠 Brain Function Used to boost memory, focus, and cognitive function. Often called a “brain tonic” in Ayurveda. 🌿 Wound Healing Promotes collagen production and speeds up wound healing. Often used in skin creams. 💆‍♂️ Anti-anxiety & Stress Acts as an adaptogen; helps reduce anxiety and improve mood. 💉 Circulation Improves blood flow and may reduce symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency . 💊 Antioxidant Rich in triterpenoids and flavonoids, which help fight oxidative stress. 🧘‍♀...