ROTI JOHN

This split French loaf fried with onions, minced meat and spicy omelette is found at Malay stalls at the hawker centre. Its name translates to "John's Bread" and may have beginnings with the Malay locals adapting colonial western fare to suit their own palates.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Malay
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 French loaf bread slit lengthwise to form a book
  • 2 tbsp ground beef
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 tsp chilli paste or curry powder
  • 1 green chilli finely sliced
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tbsp oil for frying

CHILLI DIP:

  • ¼ cup tomato ketchup
  • ¼ cup chilli sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice

For the chilli sauce: In a saucepan stir in the tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, sugar and water. Simmer for five minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and lime. Remove and set aside.

Instructions

MAKING THE ROTI JOHN:

  • In a bowl beat the egg with the ground beef, onion, chilli, sambal and salt. Heat a large frying pan and add oil. Pour in the egg mixture and place the French loaf face down onto the egg. 
  • Press the bread down with a spatula and fry for 2 minutes. 
  • Turn the bread over and fry for a couple of minutes to crisp the outer crust. Fold the loaf, remove from pan and cut into portions. 
  • Serve with chilli dip sauce.