| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
About Gluten-Free Bhakri
The resilient and vibrant food culture of India does not stop from surprising us with its diverse culinary delights that suits every palate. One such incredible offering is the Gluten-Free Bhakri, a traditional bread widely cherished for its simplicity and robust flavors. Bhakri is a staple bread in several parts of India, more predominantly consumed in the states of Maharasthra, Gujarat and Goa. What sets this particular version apart is its generously inclusive feature – it is gluten-free!
In the Essence of Bhakri
Gluten-Free Bhakri is a flat bread which is subtly dense and has a unique rustic charm to it that can be quite addictive. It’s predominantly made using gluten-free all purpose flour, together with a bit of oil, a dash of salt, and water to bind everything together. Note that the dough is kneaded firm, thus setting it apart from the other Indian breads that usually have soft, pliable dough. Once the Bhakri is cooked, it obtains a beautiful crisp exterior with a soft, slightly crumbly interior.
A Bowl of Versatility
The beauty of Gluten-Free Bhakri lies in its versatility. It not only makes for an ideal accompaniment with a variety of Indian dishes but also works well when enjoyed as is with a dollop of ghee or butter. A traditional Bhakri meal could include a fiery Maharashtrian curry Masala Bhakri, or a comforting bowl of Gujarati Dal, or perhaps the spicy Goan Vindaloo. In its simplistic form, it’s commonly savored with garlic chutney and jaggery.
For those seeking familiar comfort in this new introduction, Bhakri is similar to the popular Indian bread Roti, however it’s made without any gluten. This characteristic makes it an attractive option for those on a gluten-free diet or those looking to add interesting variety to their existing roti options. Linking it to its global counterparts, Bhakri can be quite akin to Mexican Tortillas in its application and presentation.
As we take a journey through diverse food cultures, it is delightful to uncover treasures like Bhakri that embody the essence of a region’s food heritage while being adaptable and accessible to different dietary preferences. So, whether it’s your pursuit for gluten-free options, or an interesting detour in your Indian culinary journey, Gluten-Free Bhakri has the potential to be a delightful addition in your food journey.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
Method
Step One
Begin by sieving the gluten-free all-purpose flour into a clean, dry bowl. Doing this ensures that there are no lumps in the flour.
Step Two
Add salt to taste into the sieved flour. Mix well until the salt is distributed evenly throughout the flour.
Step Three
Pour in 2 tablespoons of oil into the mixture. Use your hands to combine the ingredients. It will form a crumbly texture. This step is necessary to get the right consistency for your Bhakris.
Step Four
Next, gradually add water into the mixture. Do this step slowly as you do not want to add too much water at once. The dough should be firm and smooth. Keep kneading until it reaches this consistency.
Step Five
Now, divide the dough into small portions. Each portion size should be roughly the same for each Bhakri. Roll each portion into a ball. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a disc shape. These discs should be thin and even.
Step Six
Heat up a flat pan or tava on medium heat. Place each rolled bhakri on the tava and allow it to cook until it turns a light golden color. Gently flip the bhakris with the help of a spatula and allow it to cook on the other side as well. Your gluten-free Bhakris are ready when they have a crisp finish and light brown spots on the surface.
Step Seven
Keep the Bhakris warm until serving. Enjoy these gluten-free Bhakris with a side of yogurt, pickle or any curry of your choice!
