Gotu kola sambol

Gotu kola sambol, also known as "Gotu Kola Mallung" or "Pennywort Sambol," is a refreshing and nutritious Sri Lankan salad made with finely chopped gotu kola leaves (centella asiatica), coconut, onions, and green chilies, seasoned with lime juice and spices. Here's a simple recipe to make Gotu Kola Sambol:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh gotu kola leaves (centella asiatica), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Maldive fish flakes (optional, omit for vegetarian/vegan version)

Instructions:

1. Wash the gotu kola leaves thoroughly under cold water and finely chop them. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped gotu kola leaves, freshly grated coconut, chopped red onion, and chopped green chilies.

3. If using Maldive fish flakes, you can either add them directly to the mixture or toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding.

4. Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

5. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.

6. Let the Gotu Kola Sambol sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve the Gotu Kola Sambol as a refreshing side dish with rice and curry or as a topping for roti or bread.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of lime juice, salt, and green chilies according to your taste preference.
• Some variations of Gotu Kola Sambol include adding chopped tomatoes, grated carrots, or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• Make sure to use fresh gotu kola leaves for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
• If you cannot find fresh gotu kola leaves, you can substitute with watercress or baby spinach leaves.