Kolkata’s popular street food, the Kathi Roll, is a tasty wrap made with spiced chicken kababs and sliced onions rolled inside a soft, flaky paratha. The chicken is marinated in a yoghurt-based mix, cooked with capsicum, and then wrapped in the warm flatbread. It’s full of spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh touch. This classic from Bengali cuisine is part of India’s rich collection of regional recipes and is a great example of Indian street food.
In a large bowl, mix the chicken with salt, black salt, lime juice, garam masala, red chilli powder, ginger, garlic, yoghurt and mustard oil. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours infuse.
Description - Step 2
Prepare the Paratha Dough
In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar and vegetable shortening. Slowly add water and knead into a smooth, elastic dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Description - Step 3
Grill the Chicken Kababs
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill them over a charcoal fire or in a preheated oven until cooked through and lightly charred on the edges. Keep the kababs warm.
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Roll and Cook the Parathas
Divide the rested dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each one out into a thin round. Brush with a little oil, then fold into quarters. Roll out again into a triangle shape. Heat a tawa or griddle and cook the parathas one at a time, flipping once, until golden brown spots appear. Stack them up and keep warm.
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Prepare the Filling
In a pan, heat oil and sauté the onions and capsicum until slightly softened. Add the cooked chicken kababs, garam masala and red chilli powder if using. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Description - Step 6
Wrap the Kathi Rolls
Lay a hot paratha on a plate. Place some chicken, onions and peppers in the centre. Top with chopped green chillies, chaat masala and a squeeze of lime juice. Wrap the sides of the paratha over the filling tightly, tucking in the top and bottom edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining parathas and filling.