Mastering the Art of Making Ugandan Rolex and Kikomando

Ugandan Rolex and Kikomando are two popular street food delicacies that have taken Uganda by storm. The Ugandan Rolex, a beloved egg roll, is a savory combination of a chapati filled with a flavorful vegetable omelet, while Kikomando, named after the movie "Commando," is a hearty mix of sliced chapati and fried beans.

In this article, we'll dive into the world of Ugandan street food and explore the art of making these mouthwatering dishes. From the perfect chapati recipe to the technique of rolling eggs, we'll guide you through the process of creating your own Ugandan Rolex and Kikomando at home. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the vibrant flavors of Uganda's most iconic street food.

Ingredients for Rolex

To make a delicious Ugandan Rolex, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Chapati:

• All-purpose flour (210 g or 1.5 cups)
• Salt (5g or 1 tsp)
• Sugar (3g or 1 tsp)
• Oil (26g or 2 tbsp)
• Water (100g or 0.5 cups)

For the Omelette:

• Eggs (2 per person)
• Finely chopped onions (preferably red)
• Finely shredded or grated cabbage (1/3 cup per serving)
• Fresh tomato, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander/cilantro, shredded or chopped
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (optional, to spice up the omelette)
• Oil (for cooking the omelette)

In addition to the traditional ingredients of eggs, cabbage, onion, and tomato, you can also add peppers to your Rolex for an extra kick of flavor [7]. Feel free to customize your omelette with any preferred vegetables [9]. Tomatoes are highly recommended as a topping for Rolex, as they add a fresh and juicy element to the dish [9]. For a more indulgent twist, you can even add bacon as an optional topping [9].

Preparing the Chapati

To make the perfect chapati for your Ugandan Rolex, follow these steps:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 2 tbsp of oil [10].
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture while kneading the dough until it no longer sticks to your fingers [10].
3. Divide the dough into equal portions, roughly the size of a golf ball, and roll each portion between your palms until smooth and free of cracks [10].
4. Sprinkle flour over a rolling board and use a rolling pin to flatten each dough ball into round, thin circles, approximately 5 inches in diameter [10].

Once your chapatis are rolled out, it's time to cook them:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of oil [10].
2. Place a chapati in the pan and stretch it to the width of the pan, pressing down on it as you turn it [10].
3. When raised bumps appear on the surface of the chapati, it's ready to be flipped [10].
4. Cook both sides of the chapati until they appear golden in color, then remove from the pan [10].

Tips for perfect chapatis:

• Properly prepared chapatis should be soft, layered, and golden brown [11].
• Chapatis can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for a few days. Simply reheat them before serving [11].
• If you don't have time to make chapatis from scratch, you can substitute them with flour tortillas [10].

Making the Omelette

1. To make the omelette for your Ugandan Rolex, start by preparing the filling. Finely chop onions, tomatoes, cabbage, coriander, and any other vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers or carrots [6, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22]. Set the chopped vegetables aside.
2. In a bowl, crack the eggs (2 per person) and add the chopped vegetables, salt to taste, and a pinch of black pepper (optional) [6, 7, 22]. Whisk the egg mixture together until well combined [6, 17, 18, 19, 22]. Ensure that the eggs and filling are thoroughly mixed for a consistent omelette [6, 22].
3. Heat oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat [6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 22]. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, spreading it out into a flat circle with the back of a spoon [7, 14, 22]. Allow the omelette to cook until the edges start to brown and the top is mostly set [6, 7, 14, 22]. Flip the omelette and cook the other side for an additional minute or two until fully cooked [6, 7, 14, 22]. The size of the omelette should be approximately the same as the chapati [22].

Tips:

• Customize the filling to your personal preferences by adding ingredients like chicken or cheese [6, 17, 18, 19].
• Ensure that the pan is well-oiled for optimal flavor and texture [14, 20, 21, 22].
• For a unique twist, place a cooked chapati on top of the omelette while it's still cooking, allowing it to adhere to the egg [14, 15, 16, 20].

Assembling the Rolex

1. To assemble your Ugandan Rolex, start by warming the chapati in a non-stick pan to ensure it's pliable and easy to roll [6, 7, 9].
2. Place the cooked omelette on top of the warm chapati, making sure it's still slightly gooey to help everything stick together [9, 17, 18, 19]. Add your desired toppings, such as:
3. • Sliced tomatoes [6, 21]
   • Avocado [6, 21]
   • Fresh coriander [6]
3. Fold the chapati over the omelette and toppings, forming a tight roll [20, 21]. The end result should resemble a burrito or wrap. Serve your Ugandan Rolex immediately while it's still warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures [6, 7].

Tips:

• Leftover chapatis can be repurposed to make Rolex, so don't let them go to waste [9].
• Experiment with different topping combinations to find your perfect Rolex recipe.

Ingredients for Kikomando

To create the delicious Ugandan dish known as Kikomando, you'll need the following ingredients:

Chapati Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Salt
• Cooking oil
• Rolling pin

Beans Stew Ingredients:

• Kidney beans
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Red onion
• Salt
• Cooking oil
• Optional spices (such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder)

Kikomando is a popular meal served in many chapatti joints and upscale restaurants around the city suburbs in and around Kampala, Uganda [10]. The dish consists of two main components: chapati and beans stew [10].

Chapatis are a key component of Kikomando and are made using all-purpose flour, water, salt, and cooking oil. A rolling pin is also necessary to roll out the dough into thin, circular shapes before cooking [10].

Preparing the Beans

To prepare the beans for Kikomando, start by heating a pan on high heat and adding oil and onions. Fry the onions until they become translucent, then add diced tomatoes and cook until tender while stirring to avoid burning [23]. Next, add the boiled beans (2 cups), salt, and pepper, stirring continuously. Pour in 2 cups of bean stock (water used to boil the beans) and bring the mixture to a boil [23]. Reduce the heat and allow the stew to simmer until most of the water reduces to half and thickens [23].

Alternatively, you can prepare the beans by following these steps [10]:

1. Wash and boil kidney beans, simmering them for 60-90 minutes until tender.
2. Sauté onions, peppers, and optional spices (such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder) in oil.
3. Add the boiled beans to the vegetable mixture, followed by chopped tomatoes and carrots.
4. Gradually add bean water and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

For a creamier texture, you can add milk to the bean stew [13]. To thicken the mixture further, stir in flour and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally [13]. Once the bean stew is ready, serve it on a plate with chapati and garnish with sliced avocado if desired [13].

Making and Cutting the Chapatis

To make the chapatis for Kikomando, follow these steps:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. Place a chapati in the pan and cook until raised bumps appear on the surface.
3. Flip the chapati and cook the other side until golden brown.
4. Remove the chapati from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining chapatis.

Once the chapatis are cooked, it's time to cut them into smaller pieces:

• Fold each chapati into halves or thirds, depending on your preference.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the folded chapati into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Arrange the cut chapati pieces on a plate, ready to be served with the hot beans.

Tips:

• Ensure that the pan is well-oiled to prevent the chapatis from sticking and to achieve a crispy texture.
• Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning the chapatis while still achieving a golden-brown color.

Assembling the Kikomando

To assemble your Kikomando, follow these simple steps:

1. On a plate, arrange the cut-up chapati pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Spoon the hot bean stew over the chapati pieces, making sure to cover them generously with the flavorful mixture. The beans should be well-distributed, allowing each bite to have a perfect combination of chapati and beans.
3. Serve your Kikomando with a side of fried potatoes and sliced avocado for added texture and flavor. The creamy avocado complements the hearty beans and crispy chapati, while the potatoes provide a satisfying crunch.

Tips:

• Experiment with different ratios of chapati to beans to find your preferred balance of flavors and textures.
• Customize your Kikomando by adding other toppings or sides, such as a fried egg or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
• Leftover chapatis can be repurposed in other dishes, such as the bean stew recipe provided earlier, making Kikomando a versatile and budget-friendly meal option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of making Ugandan Rolex and Kikomando is a rewarding culinary journey that allows you to explore the vibrant flavors of Uganda's beloved street food. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided in this article, you can create these mouthwatering dishes in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a fan of the savory Rolex with its flavorful omelette and customizable toppings or the hearty Kikomando with its perfect combination of crispy chapati and delicious bean stew, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

As you embark on your Ugandan street food adventure, remember to have fun and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to find your perfect Rolex and Kikomando. With a little practice and creativity, you'll soon be whipping up these iconic dishes like a true pro, bringing a taste of Uganda's vibrant culinary scene to your kitchen table. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering delights of Ugandan Rolex and Kikomando.

FAQs

What is the significance of the term 'Rolex' in Ugandan cuisine?
In Uganda, 'Rolex' refers to a beloved street food that consists of an egg omelette with vegetables, all wrapped inside a chapati. This convenient and satisfying meal can be enjoyed at any time, serving as breakfast, lunch, supper, or just a quick snack.

Who was responsible for introducing chapati to Uganda?
Chapati made its way to Uganda through Indian indentured laborers. These laborers were brought over by the British in the late 19th century to construct a railway from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala, Uganda. At that time, both Uganda and India were under British colonial rule.

What is the 'Rolex' food for which Uganda is famous?
Uganda's famous 'Rolex' is a street food delight found especially in Kampala. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that features a vegetable omelette rolled inside a chapati. The playful name 'Rolex' amusingly alludes to the luxury watch brand, but in Uganda, it's synonymous with this popular and versatile street food snack.