Kottu Roti (Sri Lankan Chopped Roti Stir-Fry)
Local name: කොත්තු රොටි
In short: Strips of flatbread chopped and fried on a hot griddle with chicken, egg, vegetables, curry leaves and spices, moistened with a little curry gravy. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 580 kcal
Kottu roti is Sri Lanka's late-night street food, and you hear it before you see it: cooks chop flatbread and vegetables on a hot griddle with two metal blades, making a steady clatter. The chopped roti soaks up a splash of curry gravy, egg and spices and ends up soft inside with crisp edges. It is a fine way to use day-old flatbread at home, and it takes about 20 minutes once everything is cut.
Instructions
- Stack the flatbreads and cut them into strips about 1 cm (1/2 in) wide, then cut across the strips into short pieces. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large wok over high heat. Fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Lift it out onto a plate.
- Add the remaining oil, then fry the onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies and curry leaves for 2 minutes. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder and turmeric for 30 seconds.
- Add the cabbage, carrot, spring onions and tomato and stir-fry for 3 minutes until just tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side, crack in the eggs and scramble for 1 minute, then mix them through.
- Pour in the stock and return the chicken to the wok. Bring to a boil, then add the roti pieces and toss for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Chop and scrape the mixture with two metal spatulas as it cooks, until the roti has soaked up the liquid and the edges start to crisp. Season with the salt and pepper and serve hot.
Tips
- Stale flatbread is best, because fresh roti turns gummy. If it is soft, dry the cut strips in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 8 minutes.
- Swap the chicken for beef, shrimp or extra vegetables. Serve extra curry gravy on the side for a wetter, richer plate.
Questions and answers
Why does kottu roti make a clanging sound?
Cooks chop the roti with two metal blades on a hot griddle. The rhythm is part of the street-food experience, and it also breaks the roti into small pieces.
Can I use store-bought flatbread?
Yes. Plain roti or paratha from the freezer section work well. Thaw them and let them dry out for an hour for a better texture.
How spicy is kottu roti?
It is medium-hot. Cut the green chilies and chili powder to make it milder, and serve a little extra curry gravy on the side.
How long does it take to make Kottu Roti (Sri Lankan Chopped Roti Stir-Fry)?
About 50 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kottu Roti (Sri Lankan Chopped Roti Stir-Fry)?
About 580 kcal per serving, with 26 g of protein, 59 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 580 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 59 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
