What is gotu kola?
Gotu kola is a fresh and fantastic Sri Lankan sambol. I’ve tweaked this traditional sambol recipe to bulk it up to make an equally delicious salad. Have it on its own, or combine it with your favourite curries. It’s a win-win Sri Lankan dish. I love this alongside a pineapple curry.
What is gotu kola?
Gotu kola is a herb, a member of the parsley family found in Asia. It is thought to have many known health benefits from lowering blood pressure to increasing the production of collagen. Gotu kola has been known to be used to heal burns and treat stretch marks.
You may find gotu kola dried, ground and packaged into capsules.
Gotu kola is also known as pennywort. It is a well-known ingredient in Sri Lankan cooking, mainly for making gotu kola sambol.
Sambols add texture and flavour to your meal
A sambol is a common condiment in Sri Lankan cooking. Gotu kola can be served alongside a selection of Sri Lankan curries curries.
Sambols are made with vegetables or meat and add texture and flavour to your meal.
You eat a sambol with a selection of curries and rice or simply alongside a roti or a Partha.
Where do you buy it?
You can find gotu kola in Sri Lankan grocery stores.
If you are in the Tooting area, I go to Sharons, 311-313 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9JQ to get my gotu kola.
Thankfully, you can order gotu kola online.
Whats a good subsitute?
Parsley is a good alternative for gotu kola.
I appreciate you may not live near or be visiting Tooting.