Poppadums often are served with variety of chutneys or dips.
Poppadum (also known as papad, papadum or papadom) is a traditional Indian and Sri Lankan flatbread. The dough is shaped into a thin round shape similar to a tortilla. The dough often is seasoned with spices and then fried or baked over an open flame or in a tandoori oven. Poppadums can be sweet or savory and are crispy like potato chips. They often are served as an appetizer or snack alongside a variety of chutneys or dips.
Ingredients
Poppadums are made using lentil flour or bean flour and seasoned with spices such as cumin, black pepper, garlic, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon or chiles. The flour and spices are combined with water to form a soft dough. The flattened dough typically is fried in peanut oil or baked in an oven.
Vitamins and Minerals
Because they are made using whole grain flours such as lentil and bean flours, poppadums are packed with vitamins and minerals. Lentils and black beans are an excellent source of iron, manganese and folate, important minerals for maintaining healthy bones and blood.
Protein and Fiber
Lentil and bean flours also are excellent sources of protein and fiber. A serving of poppadum contains approximately 7 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. Lentil and bean flours are gluten-free and, because they contain large amounts of protein and fiber, do not elevate blood sugar as much as wheat flours, making poppadum a healthy snack choice for those with issues such as diabetes.
Fried Vs. Baked
The calorie content of poppadums differs depending on whether they are fried or baked. Frying poppadum doubles the number of calories and adds approximately 14 grams of fat. Baked poppadum is fat-free. A single serving of baked poppadums contains 140 calories, while a fried serving contains approximately 300 calories. The peanut oil traditionally used in frying poppadums is a monounsaturated "good" fat, which research shows may improve blood cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Accompaniments
Poppadums can be a nutritious snack served plain or with a variety of accompaniments such as mango chutney, coconut chutney, curry sauce, tamarind sauce, cucumber raita or any condiment of choice.
Tags: bean flours, , blood sugar, , contains approximately, fried baked, Lentil bean