srilankansaladpennywortveganlowfatquickbeginner

Gotukola Sambol

Name: Gotukola Sambol
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: SriLankan
Ingredients: 80 g fresh gotukola (pennywort) leaves and tender stems, finely shredded; 50 g red onion, very thinly sliced; 20 g fresh grated coconut; 5 g green chili, very finely sliced; 15 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed; 2 g fine salt

Gotukola Sambol is a bright, refreshing Sri Lankan herb salad with a crisp, slightly grassy flavor from pennywort, gentle sweetness from coconut, and sharp lift from lime and onion. It is quick to prepare, light, and intensely fresh, making it an ideal side dish for everyday meals.

10 min

2 servings

49 kcal

SriLankan

Ingredients

Sambol

80 gfresh gotukola (pennywort) leaves and tender stems, finely shredded
50 gred onion, very thinly sliced
20 gfresh grated coconut
5 ggreen chili, very finely sliced
15 mllime juice, freshly squeezed
2 gfine salt

Instructions

1
Wash the gotukola very well in several changes of cold water, then drain and dry thoroughly. Finely shred the leaves and tender stems. Thinly slice the onion and green chili. For the best texture, keep everything very fine so the sambol mixes evenly and is easy to eat.
2
Place the shredded gotukola, onion, grated coconut, and green chili in a bowl. Add the lime juice and salt.
3
Mix by hand or with two spoons until the coconut and lime coat the leaves evenly. Lightly squeeze the mixture as you toss; this softens the onion slightly and helps the flavors combine without making the salad watery. Taste and adjust with a little more lime or salt if needed.
4
Serve immediately while the gotukola is fresh and crisp. This sambol is best eaten the moment it is mixed.

Nutrition per serving

49 kcal

Calories

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•For a low-fat version, keep the coconut modest as listed; traditional versions often use more.
•If gotukola stems are tough, discard the thicker lower parts and use only tender stems and leaves.
•Serve with rice and dhal, grilled fish, or as a fresh side to a curry meal.
•If you prefer less heat, remove the chili seeds before slicing.

Background

Gotukola sambol is a classic fresh salad from Sri Lanka, built around pennywort, a herb widely used in home cooking and traditional food culture. Sambols are an essential part of many Sri Lankan meals, adding brightness, heat, and texture alongside rice and curries.

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