Thattukada or street food style omelette, a Kerala specialty…
Kerala thattukadas are small roadside eateries or food stalls found throughout Kerala, India. They are known for serving delicious, affordable, and authentic local cuisine, often specializing in dishes that are flavorful and spicy.
The term “thattukada” roughly translates to “hut” or “shack,” reflecting the modest setup of these food stalls. They typically have a simple yet vibrant ambiance, with a few benches or tables where customers can sit and enjoy their meals.
Thattukadas offer a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. Some popular items are parottas, thattu dosas or small dosas, fried chicken, egg dishes, appam-stew, tea & snacks.
Omelette served in Thattukada tastes delicious and is enjoyed by everyone, it is mostly served with dosas, appams & rice. When you walk past a thattukada, you will constantly hear the sound of the eggs being beaten to make the omelette, they use a stainless steel fork or spoon to beat the egg taken in a stainless steel jug. That’s quite a soothing sound.
For making this omelette, a few simple ingredients like shallots, green chili, ground black pepper & salt are added to the egg & the omelette is cooked in coconut oil.
The distinctiveness of this omelette lies in its fragrance of coconut oil, complemented by the zing of shallots and green chilies, resulting in an exceptionally delightful flavor. This is the omelette that’s served with Kerala pothichor or meal wrapped in banana leaves.
- Large egg- 1
- Shallots or small onions, minced- 1 tbsp
- Green chili, cut into thin round slices- 1
- Ground black pepper- ¼ tsp
- Salt- a few pinches
- Coconut oil- 1 tbsp
- To a bowl, crack a large egg.
- Add shallots or small onions minced, green chilies, black pepper & salt.
- Using a fork, beat the egg well.
- Place a medium-sized round frying pan over medium heat.
- Add 1 tbsp coconut oil, swirl the pan to spread the oil on the pan.
- Just before adding the egg mixture, beat it well using a fork.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan & spread the pan.
- The egg will instantly bubble up.
- Let cook for a couple of minutes, gently flip it over.
- Let the other side cook for a few seconds. Don't overcook the omelette.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Enjoy while it's warm with dosa, appam, or bread.
