Get Out of Your Indian Food Rut by Having a Different Bread on the Side
You could argue that Indian food is one of the most exciting cuisines around, with a huge selection of interesting flavours packed into every dish, from the subtle and mild to the hot, highly spiced curries.
Despite how much Indian food has to offer, however, it's a sad fact that many people stick to the same couple of dishes they know they enjoy each time they eat it. There's nothing wrong with knowing what you like, of course, but it's a shame to miss out on what could be your new favourite food.
Take bread, for example. There are a number of different types of bread in Indian cuisine, but most people order the same plain naan every time. Next time you go out for Indian food, try one of these other breads instead.
Chapati
Chapatis are almost as well-known as naans, but they're not generally as popular, which is a shame. They're large, round flatbreads sort of like Mexican tortillas, cooked in a dry pan until they have a lovely golden finish.
As chapatis are made from wholemeal flour, they're a bit healthier than some of the other kinds of bread, and they contain a good dose of fibre. In India, they're often used to pick up food, which is definitely something to try when you eat Indian.
Roti
Rotis and chapatis are often mixed up, but there is a difference. Usually, a roti is made from white flour, and it will be cooked in a tandoor — the traditional Indian oven.
This imparts a different flavour to the bread, which can also be used to scoop up food as you eat it.
Paratha
This is one of the most popular kinds of bread in India, yet it is not often eaten elsewhere. Parathas are made by folding the dough into layers, often spread with ghee in between each one.
The end result is a fairly thick bread with a distinctive crispy outside and flaky inside. It's perfect for dipping into curries, and if you're lucky, you might find one stuffed with delicious fillings.
Puri
A puri is a small, round dough that's deep-fried. As they cook, they puff up into little crispy bubbles, which makes them very different from other Indian breads.
Puris are often served as part of another dish, as a starter with a small amount of curry on top. If you can order one as a side, they also make a great accompaniment to main meals.
Special naans
If you're deadset on your naan bread, at least consider trying a different version. Many menus have a selection of naans stuffed with different fillings. Paneer naan is filled with Indian cheese, peshwari naan has dried fruit and coconut and keema naan has spiced meat. Take a look at what's on offer at your local restaurant and go for something different each time.