| Bread is integral to the dining culture of | | | | India. These refer to the breads which are |
| India. It is generally referred to as roti in | | | | shallow fried in fat after being rolled out |
| the local language. The growth of a wide | | | | into a triangular or a square shaped size. At |
| range of cereals and grains in the country | | | | times there are seasonal vegetables, potatoes |
| has led to the preparation of different types | | | | or fenugreek seeds that are added to the |
| of breads. Each differs from the other in the | | | | dough. These breads are generally termed |
| ingredients used, in the shape, size, and the | | | | paranthas. Another type of fried bread is the |
| taste. The cooking method too differs widely | | | | puri. These are round, puffy and are deep |
| from one part of the country to another. The | | | | fried in oil. At times poppy seeds or lentils |
| Indian bread is generally composed of flour | | | | are added to the dough to bring a different |
| made of wheat, rice, corn or lentils. It is | | | | flavor to the puris. These are generally |
| known differently in the different parts of | | | | served during festive occasions. A hugely |
| the country. It is named variously as phulka, | | | | popular south Indian specialty is the dosa |
| chapati, paranthas, rumali, naan, puri , | | | | that is made by spreading a batter of rice |
| phefras, do-patris and bhatia. | | | | and urad bean on an oiled pan. |
| | | | |
| A majority of the Indian bread is made of | | | | Some types of Indian bread are baked in |
| wheat and can be broadly divided into three | | | | modern electric ovens or the Indian styled |
| kinds: bread that is roasted on a griddle, | | | | ovens called tandoor. One of the very popular |
| bread that is fried and bread that is baked. | | | | types of baked bread is the naan. The dough |
| | | | for the naan is leavened before being baked |
| The most popular form of the Indian bread is | | | | in the tandoor. Sometimes nigella seeds or |
| the roasted form, known as chapati. This kind | | | | saffron water is added to give it a distinct |
| of bread is unleavened and is made of only | | | | flavor. At times garlic paste, dates, cottage |
| flour and water. The Dough is prepared and | | | | cheese (paneer) or almonds are also added to |
| the bread is rolled out of it. At times the | | | | the dough to give it a different taste. |
| bread is puffed out by dropping the bread on | | | | |
| hot coals for a few minutes. This type of | | | | Indian breads are always served to the |
| bread is called phulka. At times the bread is | | | | accompaniment of vegetables, sweet dishes and |
| kneaded with milk and water and is very thin. | | | | curries. Bread is a staple food of a majority |
| In western India these are known as khakras. | | | | of the Indians. Most of the Indian households |
| Another variant of the roasted bread is the | | | | consume bread for all the three meals of the |
| rumali which is made by stretching the dough | | | | day. Indian breads comprise complex |
| with hand and tossing it several times in the | | | | carbohydrates as well as a good amount of |
| air before roasting it. | | | | dietary fiber and make for a nutritious and |
| | | | wholesome meal. |
| Fried breads are also widely popular in | | | | |