Tempeh making – an adventure in fermentation

When I was living in Singapore it was easy to buy good Tempeh from some of the Indonesian stalls at Geylang Serai market. Since I was moving back to Europe, I knew I need to learn how to make my own. I am part of an FB group called Singapore Fermentation Exchange, where we come …

අග්ගලා / aggalaa

These are traditional energy balls from Sri Lanka. They are called aggalaa ( අග්ගලා). Usually taken on the Sri Pada pilgrimage / hike for energy and to keep warm (contains a good amount of black pepper). They are also served along with other traditional sweets during festivals. I made the traditional type and a second …

Quarantine vegan meatballs

This recipe I created completely accidentally. Inspired by meatballs and falafel. I just used what was in the kitchen as I didn't want to go to the supermarket today. These "meatballs" are completely vegan and packed with protein, and drowned in a gorgeous stew/sauce were absolutely delicious. Ingredients: 1 cup red kidney beans and mung …

Green banana in coconut milk

This is a super easy recipe. Basically, in Sri Lanka we cook ash plantain, which is basically a plantation of a similar colour to winter mellon. I have not seen it in Singapore. However, some small green banana or plantain were available in the market. I bought some and cooked it in the same way …

Raddish, mushrooms stir fry

I had better start coming up with names for these random dishes I create!!! I bought a raddish today and did not want to use everything in a curry, or I will have an overload of this for more than a week. Ingredients: around 1/3 large raddish sliced (approximately 1 cup), some chopped oyster mushrooms, …

Lotus root (නෙළුම් අල) aembula

This is one of the aembulas or basically loosely translated, a sour dish. It is only slightly sour, but this is basically what this type of cooking is called in Sri Lanka. We would have this with other vegetables cooked in different ways, seafood, salad and rice. Ingredients: Approximately 2 1/2 cups of sliced raw …

Vegan chocolate ice cream

This recipe I discovered by accident! It was a delicious accident:) . Ingredients: 4 frozen small pisang manis bananas (one is the length of a finger), two tbsp pure cacao powder, two tablespoons crushed linseed/flaxseed, water. Method: Blend everything in a food processor for 30 seconds with 1/2 a cup of water, serve. No sugar …

ජපන් බටු කොල / Katuk leaves curry (5 portions)

Today I found ජපන් බටු or katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) in the market. Initially I could not recall what it was called as we have not made this since I was a child and it is no longer easily found although it is easily grown in the region and grows in the wild. I don't …

Okra white curry (5 portions)

This is the signature dish of the Okra Girl! Okra is a delicious vegetable that is used in many dishes around the world. It also has many health benefits according to ayurveda. The below is the most common Sri Lankan recipe - with a twist (instead of cinnamon I used mustard as I am making …

Breadfruit or දෙල් dry curry (8 portions)

Breadfruit is an amazing ingredient that grows abundantly in South East Asia. It is used as a staple in various places. It has a lower glycemic index than white rice, white bread and white potatoes and contains complex carbohydrates. In Sri Lanka we make this with coconut milk and mustard and have it as a …