Kothu Parotta - Village Style

Step 1: Prepare the Parotta Dough

In a large mixing area, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead thoroughly to form a soft, pliable dough. Let the dough rest for some time.

Step 2: Form Dough Balls

After the dough has rested, coat it with oil. Cut the dough into small, equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls on an oiled surface.

Step 3: Shape the Parottas

Take a dough ball, flatten it with your palm, and stretch it out into a very thin, translucent sheet. Fold the sheet into pleats to form a long rope, then roll it into a spiral. Gently flatten the spiral to form the layered parotta.

Step 4: Cook the Parottas

Heat a large, flat tawa over a wood fire. Place the flattened parottas on the hot tawa. Drizzle with oil and cook on both sides until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Shred the Parottas

Once the parottas are cooked, stack a few of them together. While still hot, clap the sides of the stack with your hands to shred the parottas into flaky pieces. Set aside.

Step 6: Sauté the Base

Heat cold-pressed gingelly oil on the large tawa. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy. Add a generous amount of curry leaves and mix well.

Step 7: Add Shredded Parotta

Add the shredded parotta to the tawa on top of the onion-tomato mixture.

Step 8: Add and Scramble Eggs

Pour the beaten eggs over the parotta and vegetable mixture. Allow them to cook slightly, then scramble and mix them into the parotta.

Step 9: Chop and Mix

Using two metal spatulas, begin to chop and mix all the ingredients together on the tawa. This process combines the flavors and creates the signature texture of kothu parotta.

Step 10: Add Seasoning and Curry

Sprinkle the hand-ground pepper powder and salt over the mixture. Pour the prepared chicken curry over everything. Continue to chop and mix vigorously until the parotta has absorbed the curry and all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 11: Garnish and Final Mix

Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the kothu parotta. Give it a final mix and chop to incorporate the garnish.

Step 12: Serve

Serve the hot and flavorful kothu parotta on a banana leaf, topped with extra chicken curry and pieces.

• Kneading the dough well and allowing it to rest sufficiently is key to achieving soft, flaky parottas that are easy to stretch.

• Use a heavy, large tawa for best results, as it retains heat well for even cooking and chopping.

• The signature sound and texture of kothu parotta comes from vigorously chopping and mixing the ingredients on the hot tawa with two metal spatulas.

• For a vegetarian version, omit the eggs and chicken curry and add a mix of sautéed vegetables like carrots, beans, and cabbage.

• Mutton Kothu Parotta can be made by substituting the chicken curry with a flavorful mutton curry.