Indian Bread
Indian Bread offers crispy, flavorful deep-fried bites perfect for snacking or pairing with a variety of spreads and dishes. With a subtly sweet and savory profile, it appeals to those who enjoy crunchy textures and versatile accompaniments, making it ideal for casual gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in water.
- Mix flour, sugar, and cornmeal together.
- Add yeast and enough water to make a sticky dough.
- Drop by teaspoons into hot lard (deep fat fry).
- Fry until crispy brown on both sides.
- Remove to a paper towel covered pan.
- Serve with butter and maple syrup or peanut butter or jelly.
- Also good with ham and eggs or tomato gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a gluten-free flour blend if needed. If you don’t have lard, vegetable oil works well for frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough to ensure a crispy exterior. You can also experiment by adding spices like cumin or coriander for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Indian Bread warm, drizzled with butter and maple syrup for a sweet treat, or enjoy with peanut butter or jelly. They also pair wonderfully with savory dishes like ham and eggs or tomato gravy. For an authentic experience, consider serving alongside Indian Pickle or a side of Basic Chutney for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Indian Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but this may soften the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Bread contains roughly 140 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before frying. This can help enhance the flavors and allow the yeast to activate properly.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with fine ground oats or polenta. This will change the texture slightly but still yield a delicious bread. You can also experiment with different flours like chickpea flour for a unique taste.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the Indian Bread its signature crispy texture, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the dough balls on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).