Kola Kenda: Sri Lankan Herbal Porridge – By Malsha – eLanka

Kola Kenda: Sri Lankan Herbal Porridge – By Malsha – eLanka

Kola Kenda is a wholesome herbal porridge that we Sri Lankans love to devour for a weekend breakfast. The richness of coconut, combined with the unbelievable flavors of various herbs and their nourishment, all in one bowl, is all you need to start your day bright and fresh.

This traditional dish, typically eaten before breakfast, is very nutritious. This recipe serves four.

Ingredients:

• Green leaves, loosely packed in a 500ml container (You may use Gotukola, Karapincha Mukunuwenna, Ranawara, Welpenela, Polpala, Iramusu, Hathawariya, Elabatu, Aligetapera, Erabadu, or a mix of any of these)
• 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice (prepared from white or red raw rice)
• About 1 liter of water
• 7-8 heaped tablespoons of coconut powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Crush the cooked rice with 1 cup of water for 10 seconds in an electric blender and pour it into a pot.
2. Dissolve the coconut powder in 1/2 cup of water and add it to the pot.
3. Add salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Blend the green leaves with 1-2 cups of water in the electric blender and strain the juice well.
5. Add the juice to the boiling mixture and stir continuously.
6. Add the rest of the water.
7. Remove from heat when the mixture just starts to boil. Leave it for a few minutes to cool.
8. Serve with a piece of jaggery.

Enjoy your nourishing bowl of Kola Kenda!