If you’re looking for a snack that’s soft, fluffy, and has the perfect blend of sweet and savoury, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll be journeying into the heart of Indian cuisine to discover an amazing dish – the Indian Frybread.
What is Indian Frybread?
Indian Frybread, or Bhatura as it’s known in its native land, is a leavened bread fried to golden perfection. Its origins can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where it’s traditionally served as a part of the popular dish called ‘Chole Bhature’. This delicious bread has a unique puffiness, crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior that makes it absolutely irresistible.
Recipe – How to Make Indian Frybread (Bhatura)
Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 tablespoons Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Water, as required
- Oil, for frying
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix these dry ingredients well.
- Add the yogurt into the dry ingredients. Start kneading the dough, adding water gradually as required.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for an hour. This will allow the dough to rise and the gluten to develop, resulting in soft and fluffy frybread.
- After an hour, divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan. While the oil is heating up, roll out each ball of dough into a thin, round disc.
- To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the top almost immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully slide the rolled dough into the hot oil. Press gently on the dough with a slotted spoon to help it puff up.
- Fry the bread until it turns golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the bread from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve your Indian Frybread hot with a side of Chole (spicy chickpea curry) or simply with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Voila! You’ve just prepared some delicious Indian Frybread.
Tips for the Perfect Indian Frybread
- Make sure your dough is smooth and well-kneaded. This ensures your frybread turns out soft and fluffy.
- The oil temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect puffiness. If the oil is too hot, the bread will brown quickly but won’t puff up. If it’s too cool, the bread will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Remember to drain the frybread on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This will keep your Frybread crisp and light.
Nutritional Facts
Indian Frybread, like any other fried food, should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 5 g
Remember, these values can vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Pairing Indian Frybread – A Culinary Delight
Once you’ve mastered making Indian Frybread, the sky’s the limit with how you can enjoy this delicious bread. Here are some popular pairings and variations to help inspire your culinary adventures:
Savory Pairings
- Chole Bhature: As mentioned earlier, Indian Frybread is traditionally served with a spicy chickpea curry known as Chole. The spicy, tangy flavors of the curry complement the soft, neutral taste of the frybread.
- Pindi Chana: This is another chickpea-based dish from the northern regions of India. The main difference between Chole and Pindi Chana is that the latter is dry, with a rich, spicy flavor.
- Dal Makhani: This rich, creamy lentil dish is another perfect accompaniment for Indian Frybread. The earthy flavors of the lentils go wonderfully with the slight sweetness of the bread.
Sweet Pairings
- Honey and Cinnamon: For a sweet treat, drizzle your Indian Frybread with a bit of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The warm, spicy notes of the cinnamon enhance the sweetness of the honey and the bread.
- Powdered Sugar and Berries: Dust your frybread with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries for a delightful dessert.
- Nutella and Banana: Spread some Nutella on your frybread and top it with banana slices. This combination is a definite crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to make a healthier version. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will yield denser bread.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Absolutely. You can make the dough, cover it in cling wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
- Can I bake Indian Frybread? Traditional Indian Frybread is deep-fried, but if you want a healthier alternative, you can bake it. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), place the rolled out dough on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Indian Frybread is more than just a bread; it’s a canvas that allows you to play around with various flavors, textures, and ingredients. We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to make this delicious bread at home and experience the culinary wonders of Indian cuisine.
Keep exploring, keep cooking, and above all, enjoy every bite!
