My Mom'S Old Fashioned Indian Bread
This old-fashioned Indian bread is a delightful treat, featuring a golden-brown exterior and a soft interior. The combination of flour, baking powder, and a touch of shortening creates a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with butter. Ideal for those who appreciate traditional recipes and comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add shortening; mix well. Add water (enough to make a dough).
- Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Drain well.
- Serve with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using all-purpose flour combined with a bit of whole wheat flour for added flavor. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with melted butter or vegetable oil. Adjust the water gradually to avoid a sticky dough. Frying in oil at the perfect temperature ensures even cooking; too hot will burn the bread, while too cool will make it greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Indian bread warm with a pat of butter for a delicious treat. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Curried Vegetable Medley or Potatoes And Tomatoes With Fresh Coconut for a complete meal. This bread is also ideal when camping out, as it can be made on a portable stove or over a campfire.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Indian bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bread separated by parchment paper. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy, or quickly fry in a little oil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mom'S Old Fashioned Indian Bread contains roughly 49 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% 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 this bread without baking powder?
Yes, you can create a similar effect using homemade baking powder by mixing cream of tartar and baking soda. For every teaspoon of baking powder, combine 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This will help your bread rise while frying.
What oil is best for frying Indian bread?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or ghee are excellent choices for frying Indian bread, as they have high smoke points and impart good flavor. Ghee, in particular, will add a rich taste to the bread, enhancing its traditional appeal.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the shortening with a vegan alternative like coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil. This way, you maintain the texture and flavor of the bread while keeping it plant-based. Enjoy your vegan Indian bread with your favorite dips or curries.
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).