Kottu facts for kids
Chicken kottu roti
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| Alternative names | Kothu roti, kothu parotta, kottu |
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| Course | Main course |
| Place of origin | Sri Lanka |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Roti, egg, onion, chilli pepper |
Kottu roti (Tamil: கொத்து ரொட்டி; Sinhala: කොත්තු රොටි), also known as kothu roti, is a popular and tasty dish from Sri Lanka. It is made by chopping up flatbread called roti into small pieces. These pieces are then mixed with different ingredients.
You can find Kottu roti with various meats like mutton, beef, seafood, or chicken. It also includes scrambled egg, onions, and spicy chillies. All the ingredients are chopped together on a hot griddle using special cleavers. This gives the dish its unique texture and flavor. A similar dish, called kothu parotta, is found in South India. It uses a different type of flatbread called parotta. Kottu roti is now enjoyed all over the world, especially where people from Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala live.
The History of Kottu Roti
The word koththu comes from the Tamil language. It means "to chop," which describes how this dish is made. In Tamil and Sinhalese, it is often shortened to Kothu or Kottu.
Many people believe Kottu roti started as a simple street food in the 1960s or 1970s. It was likely created in the eastern Tamil regions of Trincomalee or Batticaloa in Sri Lanka. It was an affordable meal for people who didn't have much money. The basic roti for this dish is made from Gothamba flour, which is a type of white flour.
Another idea about its origin points to Madurai, India. There, a dish called kothu parotta is made using parotta from Maida flour. Maida is also known as bleached flour outside of South Asia.
How Kottu Roti Is Made
Kottu roti is prepared using paratha or wheat flour roti. First, the flatbread is cut into small pieces or long strips. Then, on a hot iron sheet or griddle, vegetables and onions are fried until they are soft.
Next, eggs, cooked meat, or fish are added to the fried vegetables. These ingredients are heated together for a few minutes. Finally, the cut pieces of paratha or roti are added to the mix. The chef then uses heavy iron blades or spatulas to chop and mix everything together. This chopping makes a very distinct sound that you can often hear from far away!
Depending on what is added, you can find different kinds of Kottu roti. These include vegetable, egg, chicken, beef, mutton, and fish kottu roti. It is often served quickly, making it a popular fast food choice.
See also
In Spanish: Kottu para niños
- Cuisine of Sri Lanka
