Kottu Roti (Sri Lankan Chopped Roti Stir-Fry)

Kottu Roti is one of Sri Lanka's most famous and beloved street foods. Kottu Roti is a delicious stir-fry made with chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, and meat or tofu, all seasoned with aromatic spices.

 Kottu Roti (Sri Lankan Chopped Roti Stir-Fry)

Ingredients:

- 4-5 Godhamba roti (or any soft, flatbread, cut into small pieces)

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

- 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)

- 1 large carrot, julienned

- 1/2 cup cabbage, thinly sliced

- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 2 eggs (optional, for egg kottu)

- 200g cooked chicken, beef, or tofu (cut into small pieces)

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp curry powder (preferably Sri Lankan curry powder)

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/4 cup spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Roti:

• The roti can also be chopped into smaller pieces that can readily be taken using fingers. If the flat bread used is that bought from the store set it a little so that it becomes soft before being chopped.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Place the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok and heat over medium flame.

• Next part add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook for some time until the onions turns soft and even slightly golden in color.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

• Stir in the carrots julienned, cabbage, and bell pepper to the pan. Let stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables slightly soften and remain crunchy.

4. Add the Eggs (Optional):

• On the same pan, push the vegetables to one side and then break the eggs and place it in the other side. Fry the eggs until well done and together with the vegetables mix them.

5. Add the Meat or Tofu: Add the Meat or Tofu:

• Finally add in the boiled chicken pieces, beef, or tofu into the mixture and stir. Stir together and cook further for a few minutes so that it’s hot through the center.

6. Season the Kottu:

• Stir in the soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric powder, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Mix it up gently in order to make sure that all the ingredients have been coated with the spices.

7. Add the Roti:

• Last, but not least, pour the chopped roti into the pan. Stir the mixture well to allow the roti to soak all the ingredients that have been added. Stir then fry for another 3- 4 minutes until all the ingredients are well mixed and cooked.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Switch off the flame and take the kottu out of the tawa, sprinkle chopped spring onions and a few curry leaves.
• Enjoy hot with lime wedges being ready on the side for extra sharpness.

Tips:

• Protein Options: Shrimp and Lamb can be also used instead of chicken or beef For a vegetarian type you can replace chicken or beef with a mixture of vegetables.
• Roti Preparation: In case the roti pieces turn out to be very hard or stiff they should be moistened with water before being added to the stir-fry.
• Customizable: You may add other vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, or spinach into the kottu if you wish.

Kottu Roti is a delicious and rather nutritious delicacy that will remind you of the bustle of Sri Lankan streets and will provide great energy for the remaining part of the day!