The culinary corner

Stir fried  beet root leaves Stir-Fried Beetroot Leaves: The Delicious Zero-Waste Side Dish You’re Probably Missing When most people buy fresh beetroots, they focus on the vibrant bulb and toss the leafy tops without a second thought. But those greens? They’re one of the most underrated vegetables you can bring into your kitchen. Tender, earthy, nutrient-packed, and incredibly versatile,  beetroot leaves are a zero-waste cook’s dream . One of the simplest and tastiest ways to enjoy them is with a quick stir-fry. How to Prep Beetroot Leaves Choose fresh, crisp leaves with firm stems. Rinse well—sand loves to hide in the folds. Trim off any tough ends, then chop the leaves and stems separately (stems need a little extra cooking time). A nd if you’re working with limited space, don’t worry—beetroots are wonderfully container-friendly. A deep pot, a sunny spot, and regular watering are all they need to flourish.     Pick the freshest beetroot leaves you can find, choos...

 Mung Beans/Mun Ata /Green gram curry (මුං ඇට කරිය) Mung bean curry is a warm, nourishing dish celebrated across many Asian cuisines for its simplicity, wholesomeness, and rich, earthy flavor. Made from humble green mung beans, this curry transforms into a hearty, protein-packed meal as the beans simmer until tender and creamy. Aromatic spices—like turmeric, curry powder and curry leaves—layer in depth and warmth, while garlic, & onions,  create a savory base that ties everything together. What makes mung bean curry especially beloved is its versatility.It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, or even crusty bread, making it an easy weeknight dish that still feels nourishing and satisfying. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, mung bean curry is as wholesome as it is delicious—a cozy bowl of goodness that brings comfort with every spoonful. Sri Lankan–style mung bean curry ,  k nown locally as mung ata   is a beautiful...

 Flat beans Curry    If you’ve ever walked past a bundle of extra-wide, vibrant green pods at the market and wondered what they were, chances are you were looking at flat beans —also known as Romano beans or Italian flat beans .   Flat beans are instantly recognizable by their long, broad, and smooth pods , which usually stretch about 4 to 7 inches. Unlike the round, narrow green beans you may be used to, these ones have a pleasantly meaty texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor . When cooked, they soften beautifully, becoming silky while still holding their shape.  Flat beans are a flavorful, versatile, and nutritious addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re exploring new vegetables or looking for a creative twist on an everyday side dish, these wide, tender pods are definitely worth a spot on your shopping list.

 Creamy & Spicy Calamari/squid/cuttle fish curry (දැල්ලෝ කරිය)   Sri Lankan Squid / Calamari Curry – Spicy, Creamy & Full of Ocean Flavor There’s something irresistible about a well-made squid (calamari) curry —tender rings or pieces of squid simmered in a silky, spicy coconut gravy that captures the essence of Sri Lankan coastal cooking. This dish is bold, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, combining the heat of chili with the comforting creaminess of coconut milk. Unlike tougher seafood curries, squid cooks quickly, absorbing spices like turmeric,  curry powder, and coconut milk in minutes. The result is a curry that’s rich but not heavy, spicy yet delicate, making it a favorite in many coastal homes. A touch of lime at the end brightens the flavors and keeps the squid tender. Serve this curry with piping-hot rice, string hoppers, or even crusty bread—anything that lets you enjoy every drop of that fragrant gravy. If you love seafood dishes with depth and char...

 Spinach & Feta Slice   Here is the link :   https://youtu.be/MjcsibVmONY    This easy Spinach & Feta Slice is a perfect savoury bake for busy days. With  creamy feta, and a perfectly seasoned spinach filling, it’s great for lunchboxes, gatherings, or a quick homemade meal. In this post, I share the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for getting it golden and crispy every time.  Ingredients  Here’s everything required to make this delicious slice: 1 tbsp olive oil for oiling the tray 250–300g frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained) 200g feta cheese , crumbled 5  eggs ½ cup whipping  cream  Salt & pepper, to taste

The Second Method: A Deeper, Smokier Taste 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, ...

 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...