Introduction
Kottu Roti is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic street foods, offering a blend of flavors and textures that make it a true favorite. Made from chopped roti (a type of flatbread), stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat, Kottu Roti is a spicy and savory dish. It is often prepared at street stalls with a rhythmic clattering sound from metal spatulas chopping the roti on a hot griddle. Kottu Roti is a quick and flavorful meal, typically enjoyed as comfort food throughout Sri Lanka.
Ingredients
- 4 rotis (flatbread), chopped into small pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 200 g chicken breast (optional), cooked and shredded
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 100 g cabbage, shredded
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the ingredients:
- Chop the rotis into small, bite-sized pieces. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cabbage. If using chicken, cook it first, then shred.
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Cook the vegetables and eggs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and sliced onion, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the julienned carrot, green chili, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
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Add the roti and seasoning:
- Add the chopped rotis to the pan along with the shredded chicken (if using). Stir everything together.
- Sprinkle the curry powder, turmeric, and soy sauce over the mixture. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the roti is crispy and everything is well combined.
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Final seasoning and garnish:
- Taste the Kottu Roti and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Health Notes
- Moderate in Calories: Kottu Roti provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates but can be high in calories if made with too much oil or fried roti.
- High in Sodium: The soy sauce and curry powder can contribute to a high sodium content, so consider using reduced-sodium versions or adjusting to taste.
- Customization for Health: For a healthier option, use whole wheat roti and increase the vegetable content. You can also swap out chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of coconut sambal or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spicy flavors.
- Occasions: Kottu Roti is a great weeknight dinner option, but it also shines as a street-food-inspired party dish.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a cold coconut water or a light beer to complement the bold spices.
Tips
- Roti preparation: If your roti is soft, toast it lightly before chopping to give it a firmer texture when stir-fried.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and customize the flavor.
- Stir-frying technique: Use high heat and work quickly when stir-frying to avoid soggy vegetables and to keep the roti crispy.
