Kothu Parotta
Layers of parotta shredded and tossed on a hot iron griddle with beaten eggs, onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and a fierce spice masala — the clattering of two metal spatulas against the griddle is the signature sound of every Madras street corner and late-night eatery. Available in egg, chicken, mutton, or plain (veg) versions, kothu parotta is Chennai's most iconic street food.
Cuisines
Chettinad
Kongunadu
Madras
Pondicherry
Best for
Dinner
Snacks
Build a full meal around Kothu Parotta
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
3 | Parottum , store-bought or homemade |
|
2 tablespoons | Oil |
|
1 cup | Onion , finely chopped |
|
1 cup | Tomato , finely chopped |
|
1 cup | Mixed Vegetable , finely chopped (carrot, peas, beans) |
|
2 tablespoons | Ginger-garlic paste |
|
2 tablespoons | Curry Leaf |
|
1 teaspoon | Red chili powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Garam masala |
|
2 | Egg |
|
1 cup | Chicken , cooked, shredded, optional |
|
1 | Lemon , juiced |
|
2 tablespoons | Cilantro , chopped |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
Instructions
- 1 Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- 2 Add the curry leaves and chopped onions, sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- 3 Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- 4 Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- 5 Mix in the chopped mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
- 6 Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- 7 Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space.
- 8 Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- 9 Add the shredded chicken, if using, and mix well.
- 10 Tear the parottas into small pieces and add them to the pan.
- 11 Stir everything together, ensuring the parotta pieces are well coated with the masala.
- 12 Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
- 13 Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Tips
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more vegetables or paneer.