Parotta Salna Recipe

Parotta Salna Recipe is a medium South Indian recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Shana's Happy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 49 min | Total: 1 hr 19 min

Cost: $17.98 total, $1.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
  • 2 bunches Curry Leaves (fresh, washed and dried)
  • 3 medium Onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 medium Tomato (chopped)
  • 800 grams Chicken Thighs or Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces; bone‑in adds more flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Chicken Gravy Masala Powder (any brand; the video used Sakthi brand green‑packet)
  • 2 tablespoons Chickpea Flour (Besan) (helps thicken the gravy and adds nutty flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Paste (freshly grated coconut blended with a little water)
  • 8 pieces Peanuts (roughly 7‑8 raw peanuts, coarsely crushed)
  • 2 cups Water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 handful Fresh Mint Leaves (optional, for garnish and aroma)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Temper Curry Leaves

    Place the heavy‑bottomed pan over medium heat, add 3 Tbsp vegetable oil and let it warm. Add the 2 bunches of fresh curry leaves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  2. Sauté Onions

    Add the sliced onions (3 medium) to the pan. Stir continuously and fry until they turn golden brown and the color changes, about 6‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Ginger‑Garlic Paste

    Stir in 2 Tbsp ginger‑garlic paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the raw aroma disappears and a fresh green scent emerges.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cook Tomatoes

    Add the chopped tomatoes (2 medium). Fry quickly, stirring, until they soften and break down, about 4 minutes. The tomatoes should mash into a thick puree.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Add Ground Spices

    Stir in 1 Tbsp red chili powder, 0.5 Tbsp turmeric, 2 Tbsp coriander powder, and 2 Tbsp chicken gravy masala powder. Fry for 1‑2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Introduce Chicken

    Add the 800 g chicken pieces, mixing well to coat with the spice mixture. Cook for 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken changes color.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Add Fresh Herbs

    Toss in a handful of fresh mint leaves and a few coriander leaves (optional). Stir for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Add Water and Simmer

    Pour in 2 cups water, increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens slightly.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑low simmer

  9. Thicken with Chickpea Flour

    Stir in 2 Tbsp chickpea flour (besan) gradually, mixing well to avoid lumps. Cook for 2‑3 minutes until the gravy becomes glossy and thicker.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  10. Add Coconut Paste and Peanuts

    Add 2 Tbsp fresh coconut paste and the 8 coarsely crushed peanuts. Mix and let the gravy simmer for another 3‑4 minutes until the coconut aroma is evident and the peanuts are softened.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  11. Final Adjustments and Serve

    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Turn off the heat. Garnish with extra mint or coriander leaves. Serve hot with freshly made parotta or rotti.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free, High‑protein, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Peanuts, Coconut, Legumes (chickpea flour)

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Parotta Salna Recipe

Recipe by Shana's Happy Kitchen

A rich, aromatic chicken gravy inspired by the street‑style rotti‑kadai parotta salna of South India. Made with fresh curry leaves, ginger‑garlic paste, tomatoes, chickpea flour, coconut paste and peanuts for a thick, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with flaky parotta.

MediumSouth IndianServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.98
Total cost
$1.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Tempering curry leaves without burning them.
  • Achieving a deep golden color on the onions.
  • Cooking the spice blend just enough to release aroma but not scorch.
  • Coating the chicken evenly before adding water.
  • Thickening with chickpea flour without forming lumps.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby.
  • Use caution when handling the hot pan; handle handles with oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna in South Indian cuisine?

A

Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna is a street‑food staple from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, traditionally served with flaky parotta from roadside stalls. The thick, spiced gravy reflects the region’s love for bold flavors, coconut, and legumes, and it is often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna in South Indian cuisine?

A

In coastal Kerala the salna may include more coconut and tamarind, while in Tamil Nadu versions often use roasted chickpea flour and a hint of fennel. Some vendors add mustard seeds or curry‑leaf tempering for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna is served in South Indian street stalls?

A

The gravy is ladled over hot, freshly‑folded parotta on a banana leaf or plate, garnished with fresh mint or coriander, and eaten with the hands. It is usually accompanied by a side of sliced onions and a squeeze of lime.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna traditionally associated with in South Indian culture?

A

While it is a daily street‑food favorite, the dish also appears at festivals like Pongal and temple feasts where large batches are prepared for crowds because it feeds many people quickly.

cultural
Q

What makes Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna special or unique in South Indian cuisine?

A

The combination of chickpea flour for thickness, coconut paste for richness, and peanuts for texture creates a distinctive, nutty‑spicy gravy that differs from typical tomato‑based curries, giving it a signature street‑food character.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna at home?

A

Common errors include burning the onions, over‑cooking the spice blend (which turns bitter), and adding chickpea flour without pre‑mixing, leading to lumps. Also, using too much water will dilute the flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna recipe use chickpea flour instead of all‑purpose flour?

A

Chickpea flour (besan) adds a nutty flavor and gluten‑free thickening that is traditional to South Indian gravies. All‑purpose flour would give a different taste and texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the gravy can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna?

A

The gravy should be thick, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon. It will have a deep reddish‑orange hue from the chilies and a speckled look from the peanuts and coconut.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking in Rotti Kadai Parotta Salna?

A

The chicken pieces will be opaque throughout, tender to bite, and will easily separate from the bone (if using bone‑in). The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C).

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Shana's Happy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Shana's Happy Kitchen focuses on easy‑to‑follow Indian home‑cooking recipes, especially street‑food classics and family‑friendly meals, with step‑by‑step video guides and tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Shana's Happy Kitchen's approach to South Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Shana's Happy Kitchen emphasizes practical, ingredient‑accessible versions of beloved South Indian dishes, often using common pantry items and clear visual cues, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate techniques or regional authenticity that may require specialty ingredients.

channel

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