If you’ve ever been to India, you might have encountered the delightful street food known as the Kati Roll. This iconic dish originated in Kolkata and has since spread across the globe, taking on various regional adaptations. The Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll is a perfect fusion of bold flavors, textures, and colors, making it a delicious option for any meal of the day. Whether you’re craving something for lunch, dinner, or looking for new recipes to try, this Kati Roll recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of making a Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll, highlighting the significance of each ingredient and the versatility of this recipe. From the crispy Chapati to the tender Chicken Tikka and flavorful spiced potatoes, this dish offers a unique combination of flavors that will leave you coming back for more.
What is a Kati Roll?
A Kati Roll is a popular street food from Kolkata, India. Traditionally, it consists of Indian flatbread (Chapati or paratha) wrapped around a filling, often consisting of marinated meats, vegetables, and chutneys. The key to its deliciousness lies in the unique blend of spices, the softness of the Chapati bread, and the savory fillings. The roll is easy to eat, making it a great option for busy street-goers looking for a quick, flavorful bite.
Key Ingredients for the Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll
The Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll requires a few key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Let’s take a look at the main components:
1. Chapati Bread (Indian Flatbread)
The Chapati is an essential part of the Kati Roll. This soft, round Indian flatbread is made from whole wheat flour and water. It is a simple yet versatile bread that complements any filling, providing the perfect texture and flavor to wrap around the tasty chicken and potato filling. If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought Chapati bread or substitute it with other flatbreads, such as naan or paratha.
2. Tandoori-Style Chicken
To make Tandoori-style chicken, chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs. The marination process is crucial, as it allows the chicken to absorb all the spices, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. The marinade typically includes ingredients like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and coriander. After marinating for a few hours, the chicken is cooked in a tandoor (a traditional clay oven) or grilled, giving it a distinctive smoky taste that’s perfect for any roll recipe.
3. Potatoes
Spiced potatoes are often included in Kati Rolls to add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the juicy chicken. The potatoes are boiled and then sautéed with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. This combination creates a flavorful, spiced potato filling that complements the chicken beautifully.
4. Chutney and Garnishes
To add extra flavor and freshness to the Kati Roll, a tangy chutney is used. You can choose from various chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt-based raita. The chutney adds a cool, refreshing element that balances the spiciness of the chicken and potatoes. Additionally, you can garnish your Kati Roll with finely sliced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Make the Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll
Now that you know the essential ingredients, let’s break down the process of making this Kati Roll from start to finish. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
Step 1: Prepare the Tandoori-Style Chicken Marinade
- Ingredients for Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight for more intense flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Potatoes
- Ingredients for Potatoes:
- 3 large potatoes (peeled and boiled)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Instructions:
- After boiling the potatoes, mash them coarsely with a fork or potato masher.
- In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the ground spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder) to the pan and sauté for a minute to bring out their flavors.
- Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are well coated with the spices and heated through.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Cook the Tandoori-Style Chicken
- Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle a little oil over the grill, then place the marinated chicken pieces on it.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred slightly. The chicken should have a smoky flavor from the grill.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Kati Rolls
- Ingredients for Assembling:
- 4 Chapati flatbreads
- Chutney of your choice (mint, tamarind, or yogurt)
- Thinly sliced onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lemon wedges
- Instructions:
- Warm the Chapati bread on a skillet or in the oven for a few seconds to make it soft and pliable.
- Lay the warm Chapati flatbread on a plate or surface.
- In the center of the Chapati, add a few spoonfuls of the spiced potatoes.
- Top the potatoes with the grilled Tandoori-style chicken.
- Drizzle some chutney over the chicken and add a few slices of onions and cilantro.
- Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top for an added burst of flavor.
- Roll the Chapati tightly around the filling to form a wrap.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll is ready to be served. You can serve this delicious roll with a side of extra chutney or even a fresh salad for a complete meal. The crispy Chapati, tender chicken tikka, and flavorful potatoes will make for a satisfying and tasty treat.
Why Try This Recipe?
There are several reasons why you should try making this Kati Roll at home:
1. A Delicious Dinner Option
If you’re looking for dinner options that are both quick and packed with flavor, this recipe is an excellent choice. The combination of spiced chicken, potatoes, and the soft, warm Chapati makes for a filling meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.
2. Versatility
This Kati Roll recipe is highly adaptable. You can switch out the chicken for other meats like lamb, beef, or even paneer (for a vegetarian version). The Chapati bread can be substituted with other flatbreads if preferred, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences.
3. Great for Meal Prep
Since the filling (chicken and potatoes) can be prepared in advance, this recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can store the chicken and potatoes separately and assemble the rolls whenever you’re ready for a quick and satisfying meal.
4. A Street Food Classic
Street food in India is all about bold, spicy, and flavorful dishes. The Kati Roll is a perfect way to bring that street food experience into your home. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Indian food in your kitchen.
5. New Recipes to Try
If you’re someone who loves to experiment with new recipes to try, this Kati Roll is a must-try. It brings together the best of Indian flatbread and chicken tikka, making it an unforgettable dish.
Conclusion
The Tandoori-Style Chicken and Potato Kati Roll is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the best elements of Indian street food. Whether you are looking for a fun dinner option or new recipes to try, this roll will leave you craving more. With its combination of spiced potatoes, marinated chicken, and Chapati bread, this recipe brings an authentic taste of India right to your kitchen.
So, the next time you’re looking for something exciting to cook, give this Kati Roll recipe a try. You’ll enjoy every bite of the tender Chicken and Potato filling wrapped in warm, soft Chapati bread. Happy cooking!
