Sri Lanka kottu roti
Sri Lanka kottu roti
Sri Lankan Kottu Roti: A Delicious Street Food Favorite 🇱🇰🍛
Kottu Roti is one of Sri Lanka's most beloved street foods. It's a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish made by stir-frying chopped flatbread (roti) with vegetables, meat, and spices. With its perfect balance of textures and rich flavors, Kottu Roti has become a go-to comfort food for both locals and visitors alike. Let’s dive into how this dish is made and why it’s so special!
What is Kottu Roti? 🍞
Kottu Roti is a popular Sri Lankan street food consisting of chopped pieces of roti (flatbread) mixed with a variety of vegetables, meats (like chicken, beef, or mutton), and a flavorful spicy sauce. It’s typically cooked on a large flat grill (called a "kottu hotplate") where the ingredients are chopped and stir-fried together to create a harmonious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Sri Lankan Kottu Roti 🍽️
For the Roti:
- 4-6 pieces of Sri Lankan paratha or roti (or you can use store-bought flatbread as an alternative)
For the Kottu Filling:
- 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 small carrot, finely shredded
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken (or beef, mutton, or vegetables for a vegetarian version)
- 2 eggs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soya sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (Sri Lankan curry powder preferred for authenticity)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped cilantro for a fresh garnish
- A squeeze of lime for added tanginess
- Sambol (Sri Lankan chili condiment) on the side for extra spice
How to Make Kottu Roti 🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Roti
- Start by preparing the roti (Sri Lankan flatbread). You can either use store-bought paratha or make your own using flour, water, and oil. Once the roti is ready, cut it into small bite-sized strips or chunks using a knife or scissors. Set them aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Meat
- Heat a large pan or wok on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Add onions and green chilies and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Add the Meat (or Tofu/Vegetarian Option)
- If using chicken, add the chopped cooked chicken to the pan and stir well to mix with the vegetables.
- For vegetarians, you can skip the meat and load up on more vegetables or add tofu as a protein source.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Sauce
- Add curry powder, chili powder, and soya sauce to the mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring that the vegetables and meat are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Step 5: Add the Roti
- Now, add the chopped roti pieces to the pan. Stir well, breaking up any clumps of roti, and mix it with the vegetables and meat. The roti will start absorbing the flavors from the spices and sauces.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs (Optional)
- If you’re adding eggs, push the roti and vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack 2 eggs into the empty space and scramble them gently.
- Once the eggs are scrambled and cooked through, mix them with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and flavor.
Serving Kottu Roti 🍽️
Kottu Roti is typically served hot, straight from the pan. It’s often eaten with a side of sambol (spicy Sri Lankan chili paste) for extra heat. You can also serve it with a refreshing drink like king coconut water or a sweet lassi to balance the spiciness.
Why Kottu Roti is So Special ✨
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender roti, vegetables, meat, and spices creates a flavor-packed dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences by adding different proteins, vegetables, or even going completely vegetarian.
- Street Food Experience: Kottu Roti is a street food legend in Sri Lanka, and making it at home allows you to bring that authentic Sri Lankan street food vibe to your kitchen.
Conclusion 🌟
Kottu Roti is a quintessential Sri Lankan dish that brings together a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and spices. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a delicious comfort food, or just looking to try something new, this dish is a fantastic choice. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a true taste of Sri Lanka!
Try making your own Kottu Roti at home and indulge in this iconic dish—Sri Lankan street food has never been so easy! 🌶️🍽️
Comments
Post a Comment