Papadum is a popular Indian snack that has been around for centuries. It is a thin, crisp wafer that is typically made from lentil, chickpea, or rice flour and is seasoned with various spices and herbs. Papadum can be eaten on its own as a snack or served alongside a main course dish. While papadum is delicious and crunchy, it has some impressive health benefits too. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about papadum – its origin, health benefits, recipe and how you can eat it to add some zing to your meals.
What is Papadum?
Papadum, also known as Pappad, Pappadam, or Appalam, is a popular flatbread in Indian cuisine. It is a versatile snack that can be consumed as an appetizer or a side dish. Papadum comes in different shapes, sizes, and flavors, from small rounds to large squares and triangles. It is typically made from black gram, chickpea, rice or potato flour, and can be seasoned with spices such as cumin, turmeric or chili powder. The dough is rolled out thin and is then dried under the sun or roasted using an oven.
What Country Is Papadum From?
Papadum is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, but its exact origin remains unknown. It has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries and is enjoyed as a snack or side dish in many other countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand. Papadum has been a popular food item among the royals and aristocrats in India during the Mughal era.
What are Papadums Made From?
Papadum is typically made from ingredients like black gram, chickpea, rice, or potato flour. The dough is then rolled out thin and cut into various shapes. Some variations of papadum have added ingredients like urad dal, fenugreek, or even vegetables such as spinach or pumpkin. Papadum can be found in a range of colors from white to yellow, red, or green depending on the type of flour used and the addition of spices.
Why is Papadum Healthy?
Adding papadum to your meals can provide various health benefits. One of the benefits of papadum is that it is low in calories but high in nutrients. It contains fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, which can help keep you full for longer and prevent overeating. Additionally, papadum is a good source of iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia. Papadum is also gluten-free, making it a suitable snack for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Crisp Papadum Recipe
Making papadum at home is easy and can be a fun and rewarding activity. Here is a simple recipe for crispy papadum that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup urad flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp ajwain seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- oil for frying
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the urad flour, salt, cumin seeds, ajwain seeds, black pepper, and asafoetida.
- Add water and mix well until a stiff dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a thin round disc, ensuring it is even throughout.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the papadum one at a time and fry them until both sides are golden brown.
- Remove the cooked papadum using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Your delicious and crispy papadum is ready to eat!
You can alternatively bake the papadum in an oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
Papadum Sauces
Papadum is often served with various dipping sauces that add great flavor and variety to the dish. Here are some popular papadum sauces that you can try at home:
- Mint Chutney: Made from fresh mint leaves, garlic, yogurt and lime juice. It is a refreshing sauce that goes well with papadum.
- Tamarind Chutney: Made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices, it is sweet, sour, and tangy, which pairs well with the salty taste of papadum.
- Mango Chutney: This sauce is made from ripe mangoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is sweet and tangy and complements the crispy texture of papadum.
How Do You Eat Pappadums?
Papadum is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some suggestions for how you can eat papadum:
- As a snack: You can munch on papadum on its own as a crunchy and flavorful snack.
- Accompaniment: Serve papadum alongside any main course dish to add some texture and zing to your meal.
- Topping: Crush some papadum and sprinkle it as a topping on salads, soups or even pizzas.
Conclusion
Papadum might be a simple fare, but it is a versatile and healthy snack that is worth adding to your diet. It is an easy and fun snack that can be made at home using simple ingredients. Not only is it low in calories, but it is also gluten-free and offers many health benefits. Whether it’s plain or seasoned, papadum is a delicious and crispy snack that pairs well with many dipping sauces and is enjoyed all around the world. Why not give it a try and add some crunch to your next meal?