Sri Lankan-Style Chicken Rolls

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 carrots, finely grated (optional)
• 4 boiled potatoes, coarsely mashed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, seeded and chopped
• 1-2 tbsp grated fresh garlic
• 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
• 10-15 curry leaves (torn)
• 1 small stick of cinnamon
• 1 tbsp finely minced fresh mint leaves
• 2-4 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes or powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lime

For the Pancakes:

• 2 cups cold water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Boil and coarsely mash the potatoes.
2. In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground chicken with the onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, cinnamon stick, and grated carrots until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the curry powder, turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute.
4. Mix in the soy sauce, vinegar, and minced mint leaves. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Stir in the mashed potatoes and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and let the filling cool before using.
6. In a bowl, whisk together the cold water, milk, salt, egg, and flour until smooth.
7. Heat an 8-inch non-stick frying pan and lightly grease with oil.
8. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and swirl to spread it into a thin pancake. Cook until the pancake is set but not browned. There is no need to flip.
9. Place a cooked pancake on a plate. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the pancake.
10. Roll the pancake tightly around the filling while it is still warm, so it stays together.
11. Reserve about 1/2 cup of batter for coating. Dip each roll gently into the batter, then coat with plain breadcrumbs.
12. Heat canola oil in a deep skillet. Fry the rolls in hot oil until golden brown (about 1 minute or less, depending on oil temperature). Ensure the rolls are submerged in the oil for even cooking.
13. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
14. Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature. They make a great appetizer or snack.
15. For a festive touch, cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at gatherings.

Enjoy these Sri Lankan-style chicken rolls as a flavorful treat with a unique twist that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka!