Quick take: Pol roti is one of the most practical Sri Lankan breads for beginners: flour, coconut, salt, water, and a hot pan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 small onion, optional
- 1 green chili, optional
- 1 tsp salt
- Warm water as needed
- Oil for cooking
Method
- Mix flour, coconut, salt, onion, and chili.
- Add water gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Rest 10 minutes.
- Divide and flatten into discs.
- Cook on a hot skillet until browned on both sides.
Cook's notes
- Serve with coconut sambol or chicken curry.
- Use frozen unsweetened coconut if fresh coconut is not available.
- Do not make the dough too wet; it should be soft but shapeable.
Serving idea
Serve this with steamed rice, dhal, coconut sambol, and one fresh or pickled side. If you are cooking for the first time, make one curry and one sambol instead of trying to build a full feast.
Recipe note: ingredient brands, spice heat, coconut milk thickness, and cookware vary by country. Taste as you cook, and adjust salt, lime, chili, and coconut milk to your kitchen.