The culinary corner

  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...

Green Beans Curry   A Taste of Home in Every Bite In Sri Lanka, everyday meals are a colorful symphony of flavors — and the humble Green Beans Curry , locally known as Bonchi Curry , is one of its comforting melodies. This dish turns simple green beans into something extraordinary, blending the freshness of the vegetable with the warmth of spices, the creaminess of coconut milk, and the aroma of curry leaves  It’s quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Whether you’re new to Sri Lankan cuisine or craving a nostalgic taste of home, this vibrant curry is the perfect place to start.   “This Sri Lankan Green Beans Curry (Bonchi Curry) is a classic vegan Sri Lankan recipe…”   “ How to Make Sri Lankan Green Beans Curry Step by Step” 🥥 Ingredients Serves: 3–4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Main Ingredients: 300g (about 2 cups) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/4 medium onion, finely sliced 2–...

🌾 Kiribath – The Heart of Every Sri Lankan Celebration   Kiribath, or milk rice , is more than just a dish — it’s a symbol of new beginnings and togetherness in Sri Lankan culture. Made by cooking rice in thick, creamy coconut milk, kiribath has a soft, rich texture and a subtle, comforting flavor that instantly feels like home. Traditionally, it’s the first meal served on New Year’s Day and at other special moments — weddings, birthdays, or even when someone starts a new job. Once cooked, the rice is pressed flat, cut into diamond shapes, and served with spicy lunu miris (a chili and onion relish) or sweet jaggery. Every bite of kiribath carries a sense of gratitude and celebration — a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when shared with love, can hold deep meaning and joy. Ingredients 2 cups of short-grain rice (Mainly White rice) 2 cups thick coconut milk 1 ½ cups water ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) Optional: chili sambol ( lunu miris ) or jaggery for servi...

  🌿 3 Healthy Recipes You’ll Love: Stuffed Capsicums, Air-Fried Spanish Mackerel & Cashew Cookies 📺 Watch the Full Recipe Video https://youtu.be/yma-jyK52PQ  If you prefer a visual guide, check out my video where I make all three recipes step by step. If you’re looking for simple, wholesome, and delicious recipes to keep your meals exciting and nutritious, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m sharing three healthy recipes that strike the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition — ideal for anyone who wants to eat clean without giving up on taste. ✨ What’s on the menu: Stuffed Capsicums: Vibrant sweet peppers filled with a hearty, nutrient-packed stuffing that’s both satisfying and light.       Here are the recipe ingredients  6-7  sweet capsicums 250g boiled fresh tuna 100g boiled prawns  1/2 cup chopped spring onions 1/4 cup onions Few green chilies (optional)  salt & pepper to taste 1/4 cup Parmesan and cheddar c...

  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...