MY SRI LANKAKottu Roti, also known simply as "kottu," is a popular and iconic Sri Lankan street food dish. It's made by chopping up roti (flatbread) into small pieces and stir-frying them with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, eggs, and/or meat, along with spices and flavorful sauces.
The dish typically starts with chopped up pieces of godamba roti, a type of Sri Lankan flatbread similar to paratha. The roti is then stir-fried on a flat griddle along with other ingredients such as onions, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and green chilies.
Depending on personal preference and dietary restrictions, various proteins can be added to kottu, such as chicken, beef, or seafood. Some versions include eggs, while others might feature paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian option.
The key to a delicious kottu is the rhythmic chopping sound made by the street vendors as they use metal blades to quickly and skillfully chop the ingredients directly on the hot griddle. This chopping action not only mixes the ingredients but also breaks down the roti into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Once the ingredients are cooked and well-mixed, the dish is seasoned with a blend of spices such as turmeric, curry powder, and sometimes a dash of soy sauce. It's often served with a side of spicy curry sauce or a tangy yogurt-based sauce called "kuruma."
Kottu Roti is not only delicious but also a cultural symbol of Sri Lankan street food. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Sri Lanka and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
