Breads have a very different concept in India from the concept as prevalent in the other parts of the world. They are usually baked on direct flame, fried or deeply fried. They are used fresh and not meant for storing for a long period. They are the staple food in almost all parts of India and are eaten with various side dishes for lunch or dinner. Chapati, plain puri and paratha are the most common breads consumed all over India.
Chapati
Chapati is the most common accompaniment to the Indian dishes. It has soft texture and is round in shape. It can be consumed by everyone as breakfast, lunch, evening or dinner food item.
People eat this with a variety of cooked vegetables, lentils, pickles, chutneys and yogurt.
Plain Puri
Plain puri also called `fried bread` is such a dish that it can be enjoyed at all meal times by all age groups equally. It is made almost the same way as a roti, but deep fried instead of being cooked on a griddle. It is eaten with side dishes like vegetable curries, chutneys, pickles etc. It can be stored for a couple of hours.
Despite being so popular, plain puri can also have side effects if it is consumed more than required as it is an oily preparation. Thus, it should be avoided by the people who have cholesterol, diabetes and heart diseases.
Paratha
Paratha which can be of varied shapes such as round, heptagonal, square, or triangular, is consumed in various parts of India. It is made of whole-wheat flour and cooking oil and is served with vegetable curry, chutney, pickle, or yogurt as per choice. Many prefer to roll it into a tube and consume with tea, often dipping the paratha. It can also be eaten simply with a pat of butter spread on top.
However, it is also prepared by stuffing different vegetables to provide a distinct flavour like there is aloo ka parantha (stuffed with potato), pea`s paratha (stuffed with peas), paneer paratha (stuffed with paneer), govhi ka paratha (stuffed with cauliflower/cabbage) etc.
Nutritionally, breads are much ahead than any other form of food. They are fit for almost all doshas except for some diseased conditions.
