Paratha Roll, also known as Kathi Roll, is a popular street food from Kolkata that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers across India and beyond. This delectable dish consists of a paratha (a flaky, layered flatbread) wrapped around a variety of fillings, ranging from spiced meats to paneer and vegetables. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Kathi Rolls, the essential components, and provide a step-by-step recipe for making delicious Paratha Rolls at home.

The History of Kathi Rolls

The Kathi Roll originated in the bustling streets of Kolkata, West Bengal. The name “Kathi” refers to the skewers used to cook the kebabs that were initially the main filling for these rolls. Over time, the recipe evolved, and now Kathi Rolls can be found with a wide range of fillings, making them a versatile and beloved snack.

Essential Components of Paratha Rolls

1. Paratha: The base of the roll, a flaky and crispy flatbread.
2. Filling: Typically includes spiced meat, paneer, or vegetables.
3. Condiments: Chutneys, sauces, and sliced onions to enhance the flavor.

Recipe: Chicken Paratha Roll (Kathi Roll)

Ingredients:

For the Paratha:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• Water, as needed
• Oil or ghee, for cooking

For the Chicken Filling:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into strips
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

For the Condiments:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• Lemon wedges
• Green chutney
• Tomato ketchup or a spicy sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and oil.
• Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
• Add the chicken strips, mix well to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s well-done and slightly charred. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Parathas:

• Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
• On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin, round paratha.
• Heat a tawa or flat skillet over medium heat. Cook each paratha until golden brown spots appear on both sides, adding a little oil or ghee to make them crispy.
• Keep the parathas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.

5. Assemble the Rolls:

• Lay a paratha on a flat surface.
• Spread a layer of green chutney and tomato ketchup (or spicy sauce) on the paratha.
• Place a portion of the cooked chicken in the center.
• Top with sliced onions and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
• Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice over the filling.
• Roll the paratha tightly around the filling to form a wrap.

6. Serve:

• Serve the Paratha Rolls hot, accompanied by extra chutney and lemon wedges.

Variations and Tips

• Paneer Roll: Replace the chicken with paneer cubes marinated in the same spices.
• Vegetable Roll: Use a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
• Egg Roll: Add a layer of beaten egg to the paratha while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips:

• Adjust the spice level to your preference by modifying the amount of chili powder and chutneys.
• You can make the parathas ahead of time and reheat them before assembling the rolls.

Conclusion

Paratha Rolls (Kathi Rolls) are a delicious and versatile street food that can be easily made at home. With their flaky parathas and flavorful fillings, they are perfect for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or even a casual dinner. Experiment with different fillings and condiments to create your own signature rolls. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this iconic Indian street food in the comfort of your home