Kola kenda is a wholesome herbal porridge, we Sri Lankans love to devour on a weekend breakfast. The coconut-richness and the herbs unbelievable flavours combined with the nourishment – all in one bowl- are all you need, to start your day bright and fresh.
This porridge is made with Gotu kola. A herb I used recently to make a salad to go with my rice and curry. View the recipe here. Gotu Kola is a power-packed herb and it has numerals of health benefits. It’s one of my little secrets to staying young and healthy. Find out moreā¦
I like to create this Sri Lankan kola kenda as much I can whenever I come across fresh Gotu kola from the local grocery store. I grew up loving the green herbal porridge.
Back home, curry leaves were handpicked from my neighbours’ backyard. Then I’d run back to the house so my mom can make fresh porridge for us on a weekend. I still remember it like yesterday.
HEALTHY HERBAL PORRIDGE (KOLA KENDA)
Kola kenda can be made with a variety of herbs. I used Gotu Kola (Pennywort) as my herb on this recipe. Other times I go with Curry leaves.
Instead of theĀ GotukolaĀ (Pennywort) or theĀ KarapinchaĀ (Curry Leaves), you can also go withĀ ErabaduĀ (Erythrina Variegetalt / Coral Tree), Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera Sessilis/Ponnanganni),Ā PolpalaĀ (Aerva Lanata), Neeramulliya (Hygrophila),Ā KohilaĀ (Lasia Spinosa), Hathawariya (Asparagus),Ā Panela, and Eramusu (Hemidesmus Indicus/Nannari).
Either use one or a mix of greens to make a healthy nutritious meal for the family. Easy to make, nutritious-filled and on top of all finger-licking delicious. Try the recipe. Satisfy your healthy food cravings with a bowl of herbal porridge.
Herbs are good for you. As I mentioned above I used a handful of Gotu kola on this recipe. This plant alone is power-packed with nutrition. To name a few, this herb has the…
- Ability to lower stress level
- Improve skin conditions
- Improve long-term memories
- Treat depressions
- Boost blood circulations
- Protect the heart
- Prevent hair-loss
- Help heal wounds
- Improve skin conditions
- Maintain skin glow
- Slows down ageing
ā¦and the list just keeps getting bigger. Itās amazing what this herb can do to keep one healthy and fit. One power-packed green.
This nourishing drink rejuvenates the whole system. Have a green bowl in the morning to freshen and brighten up your beautiful day.Ā
If you decide to post a picture of your cooking, remember to tag meĀ @iberrychikĀ on your social media. I am onĀ Instagram,Ā Facebook, andĀ Pinterest.
Kola Kenda (Herbal Porridge/Kanji)
A creamy bowl of this nourishing fresh herbal drink can surely brighten up your day. Making you look younger and healthier.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long white/red whole-grain Lightly washed
- 6 cups Water
- 1 tsp Fenugreek
- 1 tsp Salt or as need
- 4-7 Garlic cloves Peeled
- 2 cups Gotu kola Or any greens mentioned above
- 1/3 cup Coconut milk Thick
Instructions
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Wash the whole grain first and drain the water. I used 6 cups of water for 1 cup of grain. You can adjust the water accordingly depending on the grain and the consistency you prefer.
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Start by adding the whole grain, water, fenugreek, salt, and cloves of garlic to a deep enough wide pot over medium/low heat on the stovetop.
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Let it boil with a lid closed. While the rice is cooking, move on to clean the herbs. I used a mix of curry leaves and Gotu kola. You may use a handful of any herbs mentioned in the post.
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When cleaning the herbs, discard any unwanted roots, stems, any other leaves that don't belong out of the way and collect only the greens needed for this recipe.
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Use more herbs for a stronger flavour, use little amount if you prefer a milder taste.
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Soak the greens in salted water for a few minutes to kill any bacteria, insects and any critters that linger on the leaves. Wash with clean water before use.
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To extract the juice out of the herb, normally we'd grind a handful of greens in a standard blender. Extract the juice then add it to the rice to blend in. This creates the rice and the herbs to separate towards the end, it does not blend well in my opinion.
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To get a richer creamier porridge, I like to add the washed Gotu kola, cooked rice along with the water to puree everything by using a high-speed blender.
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Once everything is purred, pour it back on to the pot and turn the heat to low then add coconut milk. Fresh coconut milk is always best but you can use coconut milk powder or the canned coconut milk to get the richer flavour. If coconut milk is not available you can go with whole milk.
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Avoid boiling the porridge. After adding the milk, let it cook for about 2 minutes. When it starts to boil take it off the stove.
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Taste to see if salt needs adjusting. If you prefer thicker consistency add more pureed Gotu kola or coconut milk but if you prefer your porridge to be more liquidy add water as you need.
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As it cools down it will get thickened. Add more water to thin it if preferred. Serve with a piece of jaggery on the side. Some prefer black pepper over it instead.
Meal plan – Prepping & Storing
To store it longer or to prep this meal ahead of time, cook as directed on the recipe but don’t add the milk.
When the porridge is done, allow it to cool down. Store it in the refrigerator using an air-tight container for up to a week. In the freezer, it can be stored up to 2-3 weeks.
When ready to use, let it thaw first. Then heat it on low heat on the stovetop. Add more salt if needed and the coconut milk towards the end. Take off the stove when the porridge is starting to boil. Do not let it boil further.
Serve while it is still warm with jaggery or using black pepper to enhance the flavour. Taste fresh and ready whenever you need it.
My herbal porridge is ready. I canāt wait to dig into this steamy hot bowl of Kola Kenda. I hope you enjoy yours too.
Planning on making this recipe? Enjoy a healthy luscious green bowl of porridge first, then let me know how you liked it. Was it creamy? Did you like it sweet or savoury? Let me know in the comment below. This is a dish thatās good for you in every way.
If you loved this recipe, check out my other recipes too
ClickĀ HERE to view my recipe collection. Choose from varieties of healthy curries, delicious sambals, snacks and desserts to satisfy your food cravings.
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great recipe!! kola kenda is delicious
Hi Ifaz, glad I found your recipes on google, hoping to make Gotukola porridge for the first time today.
Thank you again.
Maimoon
It’s a nutrition-rich, flavourfull recipe and i’m glad to hear you’re gonna give it a try. Super tasty..enjoy the delicious meal š