If you’ve ever wandered through the vibrant street food scene of South India, you’ve probably encountered the irresistible aroma of Veg Kothu Parotta. This beloved dish is a delightful medley of shredded flaky parottas tossed with a colorful assortment of vegetables and aromatic spices.
It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a flavorful feast, making it a favorite for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this recipe will bring the bustling charm of Chennai’s streets right into your kitchen.
What makes Veg Kothu Parotta truly special is its versatility and simplicity. It’s a quick one-pan meal that combines textures and tastes—from the soft, crispy parotta pieces to the crunchy fresh vegetables and the punch of spice.
Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian, making it accessible for a wide range of dietary preferences. Ready your wok or heavy skillet, and let’s dive into this satisfying, mouthwatering recipe that promises to become a regular in your home-cooked meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Veg Kothu Parotta is a celebration of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Convenient: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together fast—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or adjust spices to suit your taste buds, making it a great way to use up whatever you have on hand.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of shredded parotta, sautéed veggies, and aromatic masalas creates a deeply satisfying taste experience.
- Vegetarian and Nutritious: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich eggs (optional), it’s a wholesome meal that fuels your day.
Ingredients
- 4 parottas (store-bought or homemade, shredded)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut oil works well)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, cabbage, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 eggs (optional, for non-veg version)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Large non-stick pan or wok (kadai)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Bowl for beating eggs (if using)
- Plate or bowl for shredded parotta
Instructions
- Prepare the parotta: If using store-bought parottas, warm them slightly on a pan. Using your hands or a knife, shred them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Heat oil: In your wok or large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in 1 teaspoon and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, black pepper, and salt over the veggies. Mix well to coat everything with the spices.
- Optional eggs: Push the veggies to one side, crack 2 eggs into the empty space, scramble and cook them until just set.
- Add shredded parotta: Toss the shredded parotta into the pan. Combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the parotta absorbs the spices and flavors.
- Final touches: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy with a side of raita or chutney.
Tips & Variations
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or chili sauce while tossing the parotta. This gives it a slight Indo-Chinese twist.
- Vegetable options: Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, peas, or even mushrooms for added texture.
- Vegan version: Skip the eggs and add tofu or tempeh crumbles for protein.
- Parotta substitute: If you don’t have parotta, you can use roomali roti or even leftover naan bread shredded into pieces.
- Heat level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to match your spice tolerance.
- Make ahead: You can prepare shredded parotta in advance and keep it refrigerated for quick assembly during the week.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Veg Kothu Parotta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with:
- A cooling cucumber or mint raita to balance the spices
- Fresh coconut chutney or tangy tomato chutney for an extra punch
- A simple side salad with onions, tomatoes, and lemon
- Toasted papad or crunchy fried snacks for texture contrast
For a complete South Indian-inspired meal, you might also want to try some of our other recipes like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or explore lighter fare with Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Veg Kothu Parotta is more than just a street food; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and cultural heritage wrapped into one delightful dish. Its quick preparation and customizable nature make it perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy.
By mastering this dish, you gain a versatile recipe that can be tweaked endlessly to suit your mood and pantry ingredients. Give it a try, and you might find yourself craving this flavorful, wholesome meal time and again.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting vegetable recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to keep your cooking adventures fresh and exciting!
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Kothu Parotta
Description: A popular South Indian street food made by stir-frying shredded parotta with mixed vegetables and spices. This flavorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 parottas, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions and green chilies until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add shredded parotta and stir-fry everything well for 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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