Rolex (Rolled Chapati and Egg)

Name: Rolex (Rolled Chapati and Egg)
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Uganda
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups); Water — 150 ml (2/3 cup); Fine salt — 1/2 tsp; Sunflower oil, plus extra for frying — 3 tbsp; Eggs — 4; Small Onion, finely chopped — 1; Small Tomato, finely chopped — 1; Cabbage, shredded — 50 g (1/2 cup); Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups)
Water — 150 ml (2/3 cup)
Fine salt — 1/2 tsp
Sunflower oil, plus extra for frying — 3 tbsp
Eggs — 4
Small Onion, finely chopped — 1
Small Tomato, finely chopped — 1
Cabbage, shredded — 50 g (1/2 cup)
Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp

Method

Mix the flour, water, salt and 1 tbsp oil into a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes, cover and rest for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll each out thinly into a round about 20cm (8in) wide.
Heat a dry or lightly oiled griddle over medium heat and fry each chapati for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned with brown spots. Set aside.
Beat the eggs with the onion, tomato, cabbage, salt and pepper.
Heat a little oil in the pan and pour in half the egg mixture, swirling to form a thin omelette.
While the omelette is still slightly soft on top, lay a cooked chapati over it and press gently so they stick together.
Flip the stacked chapati and omelette to cook the other side briefly, then roll up tightly while warm.
Repeat with the remaining chapati and egg mixture, and serve immediately, wrapped in paper if eating on the go.

Introduction: Rolex, a play on the words 'rolled eggs', is one of Uganda's most beloved street foods, born from university students in Kampala looking for a cheap, filling meal.

Cultural Background: Rolex, a play on the words 'rolled eggs', is one of Uganda's most beloved street foods, born from university students in Kampala looking for a cheap, filling meal. It has since become a genuine national icon, sold from roadside stalls at every hour and eaten by everyone from students to office workers.

Tips: Cook the chapati just before the omelette so both are warm when they meet and stick together. Keep the omelette layer thin so it cooks quickly and rolls up neatly.

Variations: Add sliced avocado or a spoonful of chili sauce before rolling for extra flavour. Add cooked minced meat to the egg mixture for a heartier version. Vegetarian as written. No authentic vegan version; egg is the defining ingredient of the dish.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; if needed, refrigerate wrapped in foil for up to 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat briefly in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

FAQs:

Q: Why is it called a 'rolex'?

A: The name comes from 'rolled eggs', a nickname that stuck among the university students who popularised the dish in Kampala.

Q: Can rolex be made ahead for a crowd?

A: The chapatis can be made ahead, but rolex is best assembled and eaten fresh so the egg stays soft and warm.