Lakpura Kohila Ala (කොහිල අල)

Native to Asian countries, Lasia Spinosa or more commonly known as Kohila is a herbaceous perennial plant which is evergreen. The plant is seen grown along river banks, swamps, ditches, specifically waterlogged soil areas that are rich in nutrients. Kohila is a creeping spiny rhizome, while we use its tender leaves and rhizomes in various recipes due to its high fibre content.

Kohila ala is the spiny rhizome part which we clean and offer you as a much loved vegetable used in curries and tempered dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine. This is also known to be a plant based revelation for vegans and it can be used as an alternative for traditional red meats. Some cultures sauté it or stir fry while some use it in slow cooked stews.

Other than its rich fibre content, Kohila ala also contains many vitamins and minerals giving you a multitude of health benefits. Kohila has the potential to reduce unnecessary toxins that may be blocking the flow of your intestines while aiding to cure many disorders that are related to them as well. It increases your body weight and appetite while helps in reducing the burning sensation due to urine infections.