By Pallavi Verma 
Gotu kola, also known as centella asiatica, is a popular herb in Sri Lankan cuisine known for its medicinal properties. This sambol, a spicy relish, is a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to various dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh gotu kola leaves, chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the chopped gotu kola leaves, chili pepper, lime juice, salt, , garlic (if using), and onion (if using).
- Mash: Use a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to mash the ingredients together until well combined and slightly pasty.
Serving Suggestions:
Gotu kola sambol can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Accompaniment: Serve it as a side dish with rice and curry, hoppers, or string hoppers.
- Topping: Add it to vegetables for a flavorful boost.
- Ingredient: Incorporate it into other dishes like samosas, kottu roti, or stir-fries.
Tips:
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before chopping.
- For a healthier option, use less or no oil when preparing the gotu kola leaves.
Enjoy your homemade gotu kola sambol with roti and other side dishes.