Are you tired of eating roti/naan/ roomali roti and need a change?
India is diverse, and so is Indian cuisine. One is well versed with the regional foods, but it is challenging to know about the foods belonging to different regions.
Indian bread like roti, chapati, puri, bhakri, thepla, dosa, parathas, etc. are a staple in many households. Restaurants do offer some select bread varieties from other cuisines such as Tandoori roti, Naan from Mughlai foods, Parotta from Kerala, Bhatura, Kulcha from Punjab, Lucchi from Bengal, Rajasthan’s Baati, etc.
Besides these, few pieces of bread are not so popular but a delicacy from traditional cuisines.
- Bakarkhani
It is a part of Eid celebrations which is flavoured with saffron and has a biscuit-like texture with a hard crust. Folklore suggests that a man named ‘Aga Bakar’ developed his special roti which his ladylove couldn’t have and so he named it after the woman he loved ‘Khani Begum’. The roti became famous, was called ‘Bakar-Khai-Roti’ to immortalize their love story.
2. Sheermal
The word ‘Sheermal’ comes from the Persian words ‘sheer’ meaning milk, and ‘malidan’ means to rub. It is a part of Awadhi, and Nizami cuisine, influenced by Mughlai kitchens and recipe dates back over 150 years. It is mildly sweet naan, flavoured with saffron. Actually, in Kashmir, both sweet and salty version of sheermal is made.
3. Taftan
Also known as Taftoon, it’s a leavened bread from Persian, Pakistani & Indian cuisine, slightly similar to naan but flakier and garnished with poppy seeds. It is known to have originated in Iran. It belongs to Persian cuisine but popular in the Middle East.
4. Khamiri roti
The word ‘Khamir’ means yeast, hence the name. Originated during the Mughal era, they are soft, spongy with a tangy taste and thick in size. Khamiri roti used to be Mughal’s favourite and tastes best with the Mughlai food.
5. Bhaturu
It’s a traditional fermented bread from Himachal Pradesh; also known as Suhaalu or Sumkeshi roti. It is made by fermenting wheat flour, hence has more nutritional value than roti. Himachali cuisine is unique about the use of spices, way of preparation and the taste.
Flatbreads are usually made with salt, flour and water with some minor variations here and there as every culture has its version.
Well, if you would like to try some of the tasty and famous flatbreads around the world, the top five is listed out here.
- Injera
Well, this would be a new name for you. It is a national dish of Ethiopia. Injera is a sourdough risen flatbread made out of Teff flour which has a slightly spongy texture. It is quite similar to our South Indian popular dish – Dosa.
2. Tortilla
You must have read or heard this! It is available mainly in 2 types – corn tortilla and wheat tortilla. It’s common in America, Mexico and Spain. It is a thin flatbread commonly used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc.
3. Pita
Pita is a Greek word that means pie or cake. It is the most popular flatbread all over the world but quite common in Greece, Syria, Lebanon, the Meditteranean and the Middle East. It is usually consumed with hummus or falafel. It may look the same as naan, but it is not. Yoghurt, milk, eggs, butter are used in preparing naan whereas pita is made from flour, water, salt and yeast.
4. Gozleme
The word Goz means compartment in Turkish. It is a traditional savoury flatbread and pastry dish that originated in Turkey. It is a popular fast-food in Turkey and has many variations in every region.
5. Crumpet
Originated in the UK and is also known as Pikelets. It is common in the UK, Ireland and some parts of the Commonwealth. It is a British staple, soft, thick porous bread, baked on a griddle.
6. Lefse
It is a traditional soft bread that hails from Norway, made from potatoes and flour. Specialized tools like long wooden turning sticks and proper rolling pins with deep grooves are used to prepare lefse.
Each country has its play on the flatbread. Besides the listed ones; Italy offers Ciabatta, Focaccia, Piadine, Pizza; Baladi from Egypt; Lavash from Armenia; Matzo form Israel, Mesamen from Algeria, Damper form Australia are different varieties of bread that you should try out. These are the incredible flatbreads far-flung around the world which can go with anything and everything from sides to fillings and wraps to burritos.
Well, how many of these have you tried?
Scribbled Tales 