While bread and baked goods are not as prominent in Indian cuisine as they are in some other cultures, they do have a presence, especially in urban areas and regions influenced by Western culinary traditions. Here are some common types of bread and baked goods used in India:
- Roti/Chapati: As mentioned earlier, roti and chapati are unleavened flatbreads made from whole wheat flour. They are a staple in Indian cuisine and are commonly used to scoop up curries, vegetables, and other dishes.
- Naan: Naan is a leavened flatbread typically made with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and sometimes yeast. It’s cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and can be plain or stuffed with ingredients like garlic, cheese, or herbs. Naan is often served in North Indian and Mughlai cuisines.
- Paratha: Paratha is a stuffed, layered flatbread that’s pan-fried. It can be filled with various ingredients, including potatoes, spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), or radishes. Parathas are popular for breakfast or as a side dish.
- Puri: Puri is a deep-fried bread made from wheat flour and is typically served with side dishes like potato curry or chana masala. It is commonly enjoyed for breakfast.
- Bhature: Bhature is a larger, deep-fried bread that is often paired with chana masala. It is commonly found in North Indian cuisine.
- Kulcha: Kulcha is a leavened, soft bread often used in North Indian and Punjabi cuisine. It is similar to naan but has a slightly different preparation and texture.
- Bread: Western-style bread, often sliced white or brown bread, is available in India and is used for making sandwiches and toast. You can find local variations like pav in Mumbai, which is used for dishes like pav bhaji and vada pav.
- Biscuits and Cookies: India has a wide variety of biscuits and cookies, including chai biscuits, butter biscuits, and sweet treats like nankhatai.
- Cakes and Pastries: Cakes and pastries are popular in urban areas, and you can find a variety of flavors and styles. Black forest cake and cream pastries are particularly common.
- Muffins and Cupcakes: These have gained popularity in recent years, especially in urban bakeries and cafes.
- Bakery Snacks: Indian bakeries offer a wide array of savory snacks like samosas, puffs, and vegetable rolls. These items can be found in bakeries and as street food.
- Doughnuts: Doughnut shops and chains are becoming more common in larger cities in India.
- Breads and Rolls for Sandwiches: In urban areas, you can find different types of bread for sandwiches and rolls, including whole wheat, multigrain, and more.
It’s important to note that while these baked goods have become more popular in India, the traditional bread of choice for most Indian meals remains roti or chapati. However, with changing lifestyles and increased exposure to international cuisines, the consumption of various bread and baked goods has increased in urban areas.