Fried Bread From India

Freshly fried Indian flatbreads with a side of creamy hummus and fresh herbs is perfect for a flavorful snack or meal. Fried bread from India comes in many variations depending on the flour used, unique fillings and regional variants. Some are deep fried and some are baked on a griddle. A friend of mine from Dubai recommended I try it after seeing my recipe for pizza fritta.

Unlike my fried dough recipe, the common Indian fry bread known as poori (puri) contains no yeast. Instead, four simple ingredients create this unleavened dough: water, flour, salt, and oil.

Traditional recipes call for atta, a nutty whole wheat flour. Because I couldn't find any, I simply substituted all-purpose flour. Technically, this swap changes the dish; my version is actually called luchi, a Bengali fry bread that explicitly uses all-purpose flour instead of atta.

Only 5 ingredients to Crispy, Flaky Fry Bread

• all-purpose flour for a light and flaky puff
• semolina flour for extra crispness
• fine sea salt for flavor
• garam masala for flavor and my personal spin
• avocado oil for limiting gluten formation and creating a flaky texture

How to Make Fried Bread from India

These melt in your mouth fry breads can be enjoyed in so many ways. I love them on a board along side some hummus, but are perfect for scooping up stews or dipping in soup, too. Try them with gazpacho or this Italian vegetable soup.

What is Garam Masala

Indian cuisine frequently features garam masala, a warm spice mixture. Every region and household creates their own unique variation of the blend.

I use a mild, fragrant Punjabi-style brand that features:

• Coriander and black pepper
• Cardamom and cinnamon
• Chamushka and caraway
• Cloves, ginger, and nutmeg

While some people toast whole spices and grind them at home, I find buying it pre-made much easier.

The Perfect Sweet Treat

Dusting these flatbreads with a little powdered sugar (or maybe a lot!) really brings out the warm flavors of the garam masala. It creates a perfectly sweet treat.

Lisa Keys

Fried Bread from India

5 from 1 vote

Crispy, flaky fried bread from India.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 14 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 62

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup (122 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon semolina flour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon avocado oil plus oil for frying
• ¼ cup water

Equipment

• 1 fry pan

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, semolina, salt and garam masala for 30 seconds or until well blended.
2. Drizzle in oil and whisk again.
3. Add water, gradually, and mix with your hands forming a stiff dough. The dough should not be sticky.
4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes.
5. Divide dough into 8 balls. Press and roll each ball into a 3-to-4-inch circle. *see notes. Keep covered with plastic wrap.
6. Heat oil for deep frying to 375F. Fry each piece of dough until puffed and golden, turning once.
7. Transfer to a rack and immediately sprinkle with salt.
8. Serve with your favorite dips, soups or stews or dusted with powdered sugar.

Notes

If the dough is sticky, coat rolling surface with a bit of oil. Do not add more flour.