Kola kanda facts for kids

Kola kanda (also called Kola kandha or Kola kenda) is a special traditional drink from Sri Lanka. It's like a warm, thick soup or porridge, known as a congee or gruel. This healthy drink is made from raw rice, creamy coconut milk, and fresh juice from different green leaves.

The leaves used can be things like gotukola, karapincha, welpenela, or iramusu. The type of leaves chosen often depends on what health benefits people are looking for. Kola kanda is usually served hot for breakfast. People often eat it with a piece of jaggery (which is like palm sugar) to help with the slightly bitter taste of the herbs.

The History of Kola Kanda

Kola kanda has a long and interesting history, especially connected to Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. Ancient texts, like the Dīpavaṃsa and Mahāvaṃsa, mention this special drink.

Buddhist monks traditionally drink Kola kanda in the morning. It helps them feel strong and refreshed. Monks usually eat only two meals a day: breakfast and lunch. After not eating solid food since lunch the day before, Kola kanda gives them the energy they need to start their daily activities. It helps them feel restored and ready for the day.

What You Need to Make Kola Kanda

Making Kola kanda uses simple, natural ingredients. Here's what you'll typically need for this traditional recipe:

• Red rice - about one handful for each person
• Gotukola leaves - roughly chopped, about one handful
• Grated coconut - about one handful
• Water
• Ginger - one or two thin slices, finely chopped
• Garlic - about six small pieces, finely chopped
• Salt - just enough for taste

How to Make Kola Kanda

Making Kola kanda is a simple process. Here are the steps to prepare this healthy drink:

• First, the red rice is ground into smaller pieces. This can be done using a grindstone or a blender.
• Next, the chosen fresh herbs are also ground. This helps to get all the healthy juice out of them.
• About three cups of water are added to the broken rice. This mixture is then boiled until the rice starts to soften.
• After that, milk made from the grated coconut is added to the rice. The chopped garlic is also added at this stage.
• The mixture is stirred until the rice becomes very soft and cooked through.
• Finally, the herbal juice is added to the mixture. A little salt is also added for flavor.
• Once the herbal juice and salt are in, the mixture is quickly removed from the heat. This is important so that the healthy nutrients from the herbs are not lost by overcooking.