Essence of Life - Food
  • Home
  • From My Kitchen
    • Heirloom Recipes
    • From God's Own Country
    • Sadhya
    • Kongu Cuisine
    • Chettinaad Cuisine
    • South East Asian
    • Around the World
  • Ebook
  • I Me Myself

 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
THENGAI BUN/ DILKUSH/DILPASAND - BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN

    DILKUSH - a popular sweet snack available in Bakeries. I have always known this as Coconut Bun/Thenga Bun. An utter delicacy, a Big Bun filled with whole loads of Coconut, Tutti Frutti, Cherries & Raisins. Dilkush - Dilkush in Hindi, can be translated into a "HAPPY HEART". Yes, indeed this baked goodie makes your heart happy.  

 

    When I saw a video by celebrity Chef Lakshmi Nair, I thought this was some new snack, as I have never known it as Dilkush. We call it Thenga Bun/Coconut Bun. The first thing I told my husband when he came back home was that I found a recipe for Coconut Bun/Thenga Bun, knowing his love for this Thenga Bun. Thenga Bun comes along with Nostalgic memories. A memorable period - school days, and way back home, most of the evenings, I & my brother buy a whole lot of snacks from Krishna Bakery. And most of the days they would bring trays of hot Coconut Buns & freshly baked loaves of bread & buns, just out of the oven(wood-fired ovens). My Mom, who is a big fan of this bun, would buy a whole Big Coconut Bun. Back home, as soon as we get refreshed, both of us, me & my brother, would gobble up a few triangles of warm Coconut Buns. Divine and the memories are still afresh.

 

    Dilkush/Dilpasand, as it is known in Kerala & Karnataka and I think they call it as Thengai Bun in Tamil Nadu, as far as I know, we call it Thenga Bun/Coconut Bun. A childhood favourite, a Sweet Snack, a big round bun stuffed with loads of sweet coconut fillings. And I can hear my kids say my love for sweets & snacks with Coconuts. Dilkush/Dilpasand/Coconut Bun is soft, fluffy & above all the fillings make it deliciously decadent. The large-sized bun is cut into triangles, and it is usually sold as triangular slices in the bakery. But it has always been that we have bought it as a whole bun as I feel it is hard to satiate your cravings with just one.

 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
THENGAI BUN/ DILKUSH/DILPASAND - BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN

 

 

    As always, difficult looking dishes needn't be difficult to make, and this Coconut Bun recipe proved to the fact. I am too sceptical when it comes to baking Buns, and I have my specifications for the same. I was wondering whether these Buns would be soft. But, even for the first time, the recipe came out to be perfect. But needed to perfect it to our preference and so slightly modified the original recipe just by adjusting the baking time and spreading the filling until the ends and securing it properly so that it doesn't open up while baking. 

 

    If you are a person with childhood memories related to this Baked goodie, then Thenga Bun alias 

Dilkush is surely going to take you into a Nostalgic Trail!!!

 

For more BAKED GOODIES, Click here...

 

Recipe Type - Bread/Bun
Difficulty - Medium
Yields - 10 Inched Bun
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 30 Minutes

Proofing Time - 1 Hour & 15 Minutes
Baking Time - 15 - 18 Minutes

 
For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE TUTTI FRUTTI, Click here...
 



 

HOW TO BAKE THENGAI BUN/ DILKUSH/DILPASAND - BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
 THENGAI BUN/ DILKUSH/DILPASAND-BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

To activate the Yeast:

 

Instant Yeast - 11/2 Tspn

Warm Water - 3 Tbspns

Sugar - 1 Tspn

 

For the Bun:

 

All-purpose Flour - 21/2 Cups

Egg - 1 No.

Warm Milk - 1/2 Cup 

Sugar - 3 Tbspns

Salt - 1/4 Tspn

Vegetable Oil - 3 Tbspns

 

For the Filling:

 

Grated Coconut - 11/2 Cups

Tutti Frutti - 2-3 Tbspns

Raisins - 2 Tbspns

Cherry - 2 Tbpsns

Sugar(Powdered) - 2 Tbspn

Milk Powder - 2 Tbspns

Cardamom Powder - 1 Tspn(optional)

Ghee - 1/2 Tbspn(Optional)

 

For Egg Wash:

 

Egg - 1 No. 

Water - 4 Tbspn


PREPARATION:

 

Activating the Yeast:

 

  • Activate the yeast by mixing the instant yeast along with Warm Water & Sugar.
  • Leave it aside for about 8-10 minutes or until the yeast mixture gets activated(ferments).

 

For the Filling:

 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
FILLINGS FOR THENGA BUN/COCONUT BUN/DILKUSH

 

 

  • Powder the sugar and keep it aside.
  • Cut the Cherries into small pieces.
  • Grate the Coconut & keep it aside.
  • Mix all the ingredients mentioned under "for the filling" until well combined & keep it aside.
  • Adding Ghee & Cardamom Powder are optional.


For the Bun:

 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
COCONUT BUN/THENGA BUN/DILKUSH

 

  • Break open the Eggs & slightly beat it up and keep it aside.
  • In a wide bowl, combine the All-purpose Flour & Salt.
  • Add the egg, pour in 2 Tablespoons of Oil and give a quick mix.
  • Now pour in the activated yeast, and combine the ingredients with your hands.
  • Add little warm milk at a time & knead the ingredients into a pliable dough.
  • Initially, the dough should be slightly sticky.
  • Knead it well until the dough becomes pliable and soft.
  • Finally pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and knead it once again
  • Cover and leave the dough to proof for about an Hour.
 
 


METHOD:

 

For Thenga Bun/Dilkush:

 

  • The proofed dough would have raised & doubled up in size. 
 

 
  • Divide the dough into 2 portions.
  • Let one of the portions be slightly larger than the other one.
  • First, roll out the smaller portion into a wide & thick circle.
  • Carefully remove it from the rolling board and gently place it on a Baking tray.
  • Now, spoon out the fillings and spread it around the circle dough.
  • Spread the filling evenly throughout the circle until the ends, leaving just enough space at the ends.
 

 
  • Now, roll out the larger portion of dough into a wider circle than the previous one.
  • Carefully remove it from the rolling board and gently place it over the dough with the fillings.
  • Press the ends together & gently tuck the extra portion to the bottom of the smaller dough circle and secure the fillings.
 

 
  • Tuck the edges properly, otherwise it may open up while baking.
  • Cover the dough and allow it to proof for another 10-15 Minutes.
  • The dough would slightly rise in the meantime. 
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 160°C for about 5 Minutes.
  • Beat the egg along with water and using a pastry brush, generously brush the beaten egg on top of the Coconut Bun/Dilkush.
  • Alternatively, can use Milk instead of Egg Wash.
  • Place the Baking Tray on the centre rack & let the oven heat mode be set from both top & bottom.
  • Bake Dilkush at 170°C for about 15-20 Minutes, until the top portion turns into golden brown colour.
  • First bake for 15 minutes, check if it is done and then again bake for a few more minutes if needed. 
  • It took approximately 15-18 Minutes for these Coconut Buns to get browned on the top.
 

 
  • Baking it for a longer time can make the Buns hard.
  • Once done, remove the Thenga Buns from the oven and leave it aside on a wire rack for about 15 - 20 Minutes.
  • Once it has cooled, Cut the Coconut Buns using a serrated/bread knife.
 

 
  • Cut it into triangular slices and store it in an airtight container.
  • If stored properly, Dilkush/Thenga Bun Lasts for about 4-5 days @ room temperature.

 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
THENGAI BUN/ DILKUSH/DILPASAND - BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN

 

NOTES:

 

  • While activating the Yeast make sure to sure Luke Warm Water.  Hot liquids would kill the yeast and cold liquids will not activate the yeast or take a longer time to get the yeast activated.
  • If using Instant Yeast there is no need to to activate it.  Alternatively can add it directly while kneading the dough.
  • Kneading the dough plays a major role in the texture of the Bun, so knead it until the dough is pliable & soft.
  • EGG WASH - gives a wonderful colouration on top of the Coconut Bun. Alternatively can use Milk for the purpose.
  • Make sure to brush the Bun with Egg Wash/Milk just before Baking.
  • The quantity mentioned yielded a Coconut Bun/Dilkush - a circle of about 10 inches, with a hearty filling.
  • I have used grated Coconuts, homemade Tutti Frutti, Raisins & Cherry for fillings along with a bit of Milk Powder.
  • Can also add Cashewnuts or any other preferred Nuts & dry fruits in the filling mixture.
  • Adding Cardamom Powder & Ghee is purely optional.
  • I like to spread the coconut filling until the ends, as we like to have more fillings in this bun. 
  • If doing so, make sure to tuck the edges & secure it tightly.
  • Otherwise, the dough may tend to open up while baking.
  • It took approximately 15-18 minutes to get the nice golden colour on top of the Thenga Bun/Dilkush.
  • Adjust the temperature & baking time according to your Oven settings.
  • Do not bake the Coconuts Buns for a longer time. It can make the Buns hard.

 

BAKING SMALL SIZED/INDIVIDUAL PORTION OF COCONUT BUN/DILKUSH: 

BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
BAKERY STYLE COCONUT BUN
  • Can make smaller sized or individual portions of Thenga Buns too. 
  • Take small portions of dough and follow the steps as for the normal Dilkush and convert it into smaller sized Coconut Buns.
  • While baking it as small Buns/individual portion of Buns, you may need just 12-15 Minutes of Baking time, adjust accordingly.
KERALA NADAN PALAHARAM
SWEET DIAMOND CUTS


    Tis' the Season and here I come with a festive goodie we make at home during Christmas - Sweet Diamond Cuts, one of my MIL's speciality recipe. She makes these snacks along with other Christmas Goodies like Kerala Plum Cake/Christmas Rich Fruit Cake, homemade Wines, Murukku etc. Diamond Cuts turns out to be one of the default snacks during Christmas & sometimes alternated with Shakkarpare/Kul Kul (we call it as Square Biscuits at home).

 

    Sweet Diamond Cuts are simple snacks prepared with a dough of All-purpose Flour, kneaded and then rolled out into nor too thin or thick circles, cut into Diamond Shapes using a knife or a Spiral Cutter. These Diamond-shaped goodies are then deep-fried on a medium-low flame until it turns into light golden yellow in colour and until it turns crispy & crunchy. Deep-fried Diamond Cuts turns out to be a wonderful snack as such, but the best part is yet to come. These deep-fried goodies are finally coated in a thick Sugar Syrup. We need a sugar syrup melted into a consistency slightly thicker than One- String Consistency for this snack. This part is of course, tricky if you cannot get the string consistency correctly, which can make the snack Soggy. So remember that the Sugar Syrup should be slightly thicker than one string consistency. Once coated these Sweet Diamond Cuts become extra crunchy with a mild note of Sweetness in it.

 

    Sweet Diamond Cuts are a popular Kerala Snack, a Nadan Palaharam made in most of the Kerala households. You can even see most of the Bakeries in Kerala selling these snacks. It is also called as Maida(All-purpose Flour) Biscuits. These Diamond Cuts are so similar to its counterparts Shakkarpare/Kul Kul & Namak Pare, but the difference is the shape, thickness and Diamond Cuts are coated with Sugar Syrup. And in Kerala, I believe the snack is deep-fried in Coconut Oil which gives it an authentic touch of a Nadan Palaharam.

 

    As such, there are several variations when it comes to this Diamond Cut Recipe. My MIL prepares the dough with Eggs and flavour it with Cardamoms. There are even some recipes which call for adding Vanilla Essence. Some even add Yellow Food Colouring for a brightly hued Diamond Cuts. Then for extra crunchiness, some recipes call for adding Baking Soda. But my Diamond Cut Recipe is a simple & straight forward recipe with NO EGGS, NO FLAVOURING & NO BAKING SODA. I hate the Eggy smell in snacks & so the recipe goes with no Eggs. And when it comes to flavouring the Diamond Cuts, Cardamom is a good choice. But the GREAT TABOO of using it in snacks at home, insisted & instructed by my two kids, especially my son, at home, Diamond Cuts are usually made with no flavourings whatsoever.

 

    But trust me this recipe yields you with crispy & crunchy Diamond Cuts with a mild note of Sweetness. And also it retains the crispiness even after a week or so. If stored properly, Diamond Cuts lasts up to 7-10 Days. But the irony is that this snack gets over so soon at home that it doesn't even last for more than three days.

 

Please do remember to follow these steps before making Diamond Cuts, which will yield you with Crunchy Diamond Cuts:

 

  • Knead the All-purpose flour into a slightly stiffer dough.
  • Use just the required amount of water, as mentioned in the recipe.
  • Roll out the dough into nor too thick nor too thin Circles.  
  • Cut it out into Diamond Shapes, using a knife or a Spiral Cutter(Pizza Cutter).
  • Do not just too much of flour while rolling out the dough and leaving the cut Diamond Shapes. 
  • The flour tends to get fried in oil, making the oil dark and eventually the diamond cuts also get coated with these dark flour lying in the oil.
  • Deep fry the Diamond Cuts on a medium-low flame until it turns into light golden yellow in colour and until it turns crispy.
  • Consistency of the Sugar Syrup plays a vital role. So make sure the Sugar syrup is slightly thicker than One-String Consistency.  
  • Coat the Deep-fried Diamond Cuts in the Sugar Syrup when the Syrup is hot.
  • Let the pan be wide & big enough to hold both the Diamond Cuts & Sugar Syrup, and it should also have enough space while mixing up.
  • Otherwise, some pieces might not get coated with the Sugar Syrup.
  • Gently mix both the Diamond Cuts & the Sugar Syrup in quick motions, until each & every piece is well-coated with the Sugar Syrup.
  • Initially, the Diamond Cuts would have a shine. When the Sugar Syrup cools down, it tends to thicken giving a white coloured coat to the snack.
  • Allow the snack to cool down completely before storing them up in an airtight container.  
  • If stored properly, it lasts up to a week to 10 days.


For more CHRISTMAS RECIPES, Click here...

 

Cuisine - Kerala (South India) 
Recipe Type - Snack

Difficulty - Medium
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 15 -20 Minutes

Leavening Time - 10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30 - 45 Minutes

 

For more KERALA NADAN PALAHARAM, Click here...



HOW TO MAKE SWEET DIAMOND CUTS - MAIDA BISCUITS

 

KERALA NADAN PALAHARAM
SWEET DIAMOND CUTS

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

For Diamond Cuts:

 

Maida/All-purpose Flour - 3 Cups

Water - 11/4 Cups(Approximately)

Salt - To Taste

Oil - 2-3 Tbspn

 

For Frying:


Oil


For Sugar Syrup:

 

Sugar -11/2 Cups

Water - 1 Cup

Cardamom Powder - 1 Tspn(optional) 



KERALA NADAN PALAHARAM
SWEET DIAMOND CUTS

 

METHOD:

 

For the Dough:

 

  • Sieve the All-purpose Flour (maida) along with salt once.
  • Pour in the Oil/Ghee.
  • Add little water at a time and knead it into a slightly stiffer dough.
  • Add water at intervals. Do not pour in all the water at a time.
  • I used approximately 11/4 Cups of Water.
  • Amount of water required depends on the quality of the all-purpose flour.
  • The dough should be slightly stiffer.  
  • Leave the dough aside for about 10-15 Minutes.

 

For Diamond Cuts:

 

  • Divide the dough into 5-6 Balls and keep them aside.
  • Dust the Dough Balls with some All-Purpose Flour and roll it out into a flat, neither too thin nor thick circle.
  • Cut the circles into Diamond shapes with a Knife/ Spiral Cutter.
  • Transfer the Cut Diamonds to a plate lightly dusted with All-Purpose Flour.
  • Follow suit for rest of the dough balls.

 

For Deep Frying:

 

  • Heat Oil in a Deep Pan or a Wok.
  • Once the oil becomes hot, reduce the flame to medium-low.
  • Gently drop the Cut Diamonds into the hot oil.
  • Fry the Diamond Cuts on a low- medium flame until it turns into light Golden Colour.
  • Once done, remove the fried Diamond Cuts with slotted spoons.
  • Drain them on Paper towels.

 

For Sugar Syrup:

 

  • Add Sugar and Water, in a wide heavy-bottomed pan.
  • Keep this on a low flame and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Do not stir when the sugar solution starts to boil. Stirring will affect the consistency of the sugar syrup. 
  • When the sugar solution starts to boil, stir in the cardamom powder(if you are using).
  • Boil the Sugar Syrup on a medium-high flame until it reaches one string consistency. 
  • SLIGHTLY THICKER THAN ONE STRING SYRUP: For Diamond Cuts Recipe we need a Sugar Syrup consistency, slightly thicker than one string consistency. Cook the Sugar Syrup for a bit longer after it reaches one string consistency. The sugar syrup would start to bubble and would turn into WHITE COLOUR.
  • Switch off the fire and leave the sugar syrup aside.
  • Overheating the sugar solution will caramelize it or thicken it, which will alter the texture of the Diamond Cuts, making it dark & chewy.

 

KERALA NADAN PALAHARAM
SWEET DIAMOND CUTS

 

For Sweet Diamond Cuts:

 

  • Immediately, add all the deep-fried Diamond Cuts into the Sugar Syrup when it is still hot.
  • Gently mix both the Diamond Cuts & the Sugar Syrup in quick motions, until each & every piece is well-coated with the Sugar Syrup.
  • Initially, the Diamond Cuts would have a shine. When the Sugar Syrup cools down, it tends to thicken giving a white coloured coat to the snack.
  • Allow the snack to cool down completely before storing them up in an airtight container.  
  • If stored properly, it lasts up to a week to 10 days.
  • These crunchy & crispy mild sweet Diamond Cuts serves best as a tea time snack.

 

 

 

 


INDIAN STREET FOOD
KOTHU PAROTTA


    The truth is that I have never tasted a "KOTHU PAROTTA" from a street vendor. A dish which came into my acquaintance through the words of tastes & memories by my husband. Then gradually through his process of compensating & cooking the same for us. He has his specifications when it comes to cooking Kothu Parotta, as & how a Parotta Master does. Sauteing the seasonings, specifically squeezing out the tomatoes & not chopping them, adding the spices, then adding the Eggs & scrambling them up finely, pouring the Salna, mincing the Parotta etc., & etc. Then comes the main process, mixing it up until all the ingredients are well incorporated with the final result of a wholesome Kothu Parotta. This is where the exact skill & technique of a Parotta Master shows off when it comes to making Kothu Parotta, he shreds a whole Parotta while mixing them up with the seasonings & the Salna with his Iron spatula over a griddle. Kothu Parottas are best eaten at a street-side stall. But this version of homemade Kothu Parotta is the one I have ever known as Kothu Parotta.

 

    Kothu Parotta is made with shredded flaky Parotta's(Malabar Parottas) that are cooked with a medley of Onions, Green Chillies, a clove or two of Garlic, loads of Curry Leaves, Tomatoes and flavoured with Salna & masala powders. We usually make it along with Eggs, which is a default style at home. You can even add shredded Chicken/mutton pieces into it. The trick to getting perfectly textured(not soggy) Kothu Parotta is to cook them on a medium flame, Mincing & mixing the ingredients until all the seasonings & spices are well incorporated into the minced Parottas. Serve Kothu Parotta, piping hot with a hearty serving of Salna. My husband suggests & prefers it to be served along with Coconut Chutney & Salna.

 

    Though the total credit of inventing Kothu Parotta goes to Madurai, a food haven for Street Food & hospitality. The place & people are famous for their inventive varieties of street food & fast food that it is a common saying that they serve more than 7-10 side dishes along with a humble Dosa. But the tradition of Kothu Parotta has become the identity of Street Food or the ones commonly called as Kaiyendhi Bhavans/Thattu Kadai in & around Tamil Nadu. Also, we can see this dish in the name of Kothu Roti, which is equally a popular dish in Sri Lankan Cuisine.

 

    Kothu Parotta is a popular street food sold in most of the South Indian Kaiyendhi Bhavans, Military Hotels and Small Restaurants. Even popular Vegetarian restaurants like Saravana Bhavan & Coimbatore Sree Annapoorna Gowrisankar sell these Kothu Parotta, in the name of a vegetarian version. But in my opinion, the ones sold in Kaiyendhi Bhavans takes the total credit, with their unmatching style of preparation, taste with a medley of spices and seasonings added into it, converting it into a wholesome meal by itself.

 

    The street food stalls colloquially called Tattu Kadais/Kaiyendhi Bhavans which pop up with the setting sun cater to a wide range of local delicacy/fast food varieties. These small eateries along the roadside are popular among the local crowd for cheap and homely food. Along with the long list of dishes they serve, Kothu Parotta has become the identity of a Kaiyendhi Bhavan in due course. The unflawing sound of the street vendors alias Parotta Masters, indirectly invites their customers to their stalls, announcing the preparation of the so-called Kothu Parotta or minced Parotta. The cling-clang sound which comes out during the process of mincing the Parottas & incorporating them with spices, Salna*, Eggs or sometimes with shredded chicken/mutton pieces with their iron spatula over the iron griddle, is a default sound most of the Street food lovers are accustomed to.  

 

    This Kothu Parotta Recipe is the way how my husband makes it at home. You can get easy with what you need in your Kothu Parotta recipe. Can add Eggs, shredded chicken/mutton pieces or avoid all these, pour Salna and cook it along or substitute Salna with Mutton/Chicken/Curry Masala, add finely chopped vegetables etc., & etc. No strict rules & recipes to adhere, the idea is to get the taste and feel of a Kothu Parotta you Love the Most. So one final word - Kothu Parotta is best eaten at a street-side stall. But if you cannot get enough of it or if you are living in a place where you cannot get hold of it, then try this homemade Kothu Parotta which is equally good, and convincing to the terms of a Street Food - Kothu Parotta. What you would need are some homemade or store-bought or frozen Parottas, a bit of Salna/Masala Powders & there you can play with it to convert it into Kothu Parotta of your choice.

 

Salna* 

    Salna is nothing but an Onion- tomato-based neither thin nor thick curry, which also slightly fall under the category of a South Indian Kuruma. It is a default side dish served along with Parotta in most of the restaurants, Kaiyendhi Bhavans(Thattu Kadais), Military Hotels etc., Commonly served as an EMPTY SALNA/PLAIN SALNA & sometimes as Chicken Salna/Mutton Salna and also Veg Salna. Goes well not only with Parotta, but also with Chapati, Idli, Dosa, Idiyappam, Appam, Puttu, Uthappam etc.,  This is not a Curry that is served/ladled out but instead it should be poured-out over the dish. You can see them served in Buckets in roadside eateries or restaurants. I just realized that I haven't yet posted Salna recipe in my blog, will post it soon...

 

For a detailed Recipe on  HOW TO MAKE PAROTTA(ROTI CANAI),Click here...

 

 

Cuisine - South Indian, Sri Lankan
Course - Main
Spice Level  - Medium
Serves - 3- 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5-10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20- 30 Minutes

 

 

HOW TO MAKE KOTHU PAROTTA

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

Parotta - 6 Nos.

Onion - 2 Nos.

Green Chillies - 3-4 Nos.

Garlic - 2 Cloves

Ginger - 1/2 " Piece

Fennel Seeds - 1/4 Tspn

Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs

Tomato - 2 Nos.

Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Tspn

Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tspn

Mutton Masala Powder/Curry Masala Powder - 1 Tspn

Egg - 3 Nos.

Salna - 1/2 - 1 Cup

 

To Garnish:

 

Coriander Leaves - a few


METHOD:

 

  • Shred the Parottas into small pieces and keep them aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan, reduce the flame to medium-low, splutter Fennel Seeds and Curry Leaves.
  • Saute finely chopped Onions, Green Chillies, Garlic & Ginger until Onions turn translucent.
  • Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Mutton Masala Powder to the above and fry for a while on a very low flame.
  • Add finely chopped tomatoes and saute it until tomatoes are well cooked, and oil separates from the mix.
  • Alternatively, if you are using Nattu Thakkali(locally grown tomato) then you can easily squeeze it out and add it into the masala. 
  • Sprinkle some water, if required.
  • Now add Eggs to the above masala, and scramble it up finely. 
  • Add salt and mix well.
  • Once the eggs are well scrambled up, pour in a few ladles of Salna and give a quick stir.
  • Now add shredded Parottas and mix well.
  • Mix all the ingredients on a low flame, adding another few ladles of Salna.
  • Mince, mix & cook until all the Salna is well absorbed by the shredded Parottas.
  • Cook on a very low flame mixing and stirring it continuously until the Kothu Parotta becomes slightly dry. 
  • Garnish Kothu Parotta with finely chopped Coriander Leaves.
  • Serve Kothu Parotta hot with Salna & Coconut Chutney(If preferred).

 

NOTES:

 

  • Can make Parotta/Roti Canai & Salna from scratch & then make Kothu Parotta.
  • For a quick version, go ahead and buy Parotta from a restaurant, & there you get Salna along with Parotta which makes the job easier.
  • Alternatively, make Kothu Parottas with frozen Parottas.
  • If you do not have Salna, you can substitute it with any Chicken gravy/Kuruma.
  • Or add Mutton/Chicken Masala Powder/Curry Masala Powder and skip adding Salna into your Kothu Parotta recipe.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip adding Eggs.
  • I have shredded the Parotta before adding them into the dish.
  • A Parotta Master would mince up whole Parottas along with the seasonings with his Iron spatula over the griddle.
  • To make the job simpler & if you are using a non-stick pan to make this Kothu Parotta, shred the Parottas and then mix them along with the seasonings & Salna.
  • Slow cooking the masala on a very low flame enhances the flavour.
  • If preferred can add more tomatoes.
  • Adjust the number of spices to your preference.
  • Cook Kothu Parotta on a low flame until all the Salna & Masalas are well absorbed by the shredded Parottas and cook until it becomes slightly dry.


Newer Posts Older Posts Home
Search Essence of Life - Food

I Me Myself

A vintage-style horizontal oval frame showcasing ornate silver spoons on a dark rustic surface

Essence of Life - Food is all about daily cooking with a simple sense of taste and health. It is all about food. Not a day goes by without eating for most of us, so what we eat matters on the whole. Food in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence, and gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Above all ingredients, the most vital one in my kitchen is love.

Sm @ Essence of Life - Food

Popular Posts

  • Kizhi Parotta: Kothu Parotta and Salna Wrapped in Banana Leaves
  • Pesaha Appam & Paal Recipe | Traditional Kerala Indri Appam for Maundy Thursday
  • Madurai Mutton Chukka Varuval
  • How to Make Kerala Kanji | Traditional Rice Porridge with Payar, Chammanthi & Achar
  • How to Serve Onam & Vishu Sadhya: Tips for the Perfect Kerala Feast

Labels

AROUND THE WORLD BAKING BEVERAGES BIRIYANI & PULAO BREAKFAST CURRIES DESSERTS FROM GODS OWN COUNTRY From My Family's Kitchen - Heirloom Recipes GLOSSARY HOW TO... KERALA PALAHARAM KONGU CUISINE KUIH MUIH MALAYSIAN CUISINE MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE Manvasanai - Flavours from Tamil Soil PICKLES RICE DISHES ROTIS SADHYA SNACKS & SAVOURIES SOUPS SPICE POWDERS TIFFIN ITEMS VIRUNDHU WINES eBook
Ebook - What I Cook - For Onam

Ebook - “What I Cook - For Onam”

Amazon.com/dp/B0CGPVY6J3

Indulge in Kerala’s Culinary Heritage: Traditional Onam Sadhya Recipes, with Expert Serving Tips! Celebrate Onam the authentic way! Discover 25 timeless Kerala Sadya recipes in my ebook. From avial to payasam, bring home the flavours of tradition. Available now on Amazon!

Essence of Life

Subscribe & Follow

© 2026 | Essence of Life - Food

  • Home
  • Ask First
    Please note that all rights for the photographs and texts on this blog, unless otherwise mentioned, rests with the author. Please do not use without permission.
  • Privacy Policy