Bhakri
![]() Bhakri | |
Type | Bread |
---|---|
Place of origin | India |
Region or state | Gujarat, Malwa, Central India, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka |
Main ingredients | Flour |
Bhakri is a round flat unleavened bread often used in the cuisine of the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa states in India, along with several regions of western and central India, including areas of Rajasthan, Malwa, and Karnataka. It is coarser than a regular wheat roti. It can be either soft or hard in texture, similar to Khakhra in respect to hardness.[1]
Details
Being a staple bread, bhakri is served with curd, chutney, baingan bharta, vegetables, and rice. It is made mostly from Jowar flour, Bajra flour, Nachni (or finger millet) flour,[2] and even rice flour (in the Konkan region). Bhakris are made primarily with hot water, and flour.[1] It has traditionally been the farmer's food[2] which would be carried to the farm at the crack of dawn and make up for both breakfast and lunch.
In the fields, bhakri even used to serve as a plate, on which chutney or thecha (chutney made of green chillies and peanuts) was served and eaten together. In modern days, bhakhri has been largely replaced by rotis and phulkas but still enjoys its own following. Typically bhakri is accompanied by pitla (a stew of gram flour)[2] but it may also be served with curry, garlic chutney, thecha (a thick paste of green or red chilies),[2] preparations of green leafy vegetables and raw onion. In some parts of north Karnataka it is served with stuffed brinjal curry.
Preparations
The dough for bhakri prepared by mixing the flour with small amount of salt in a bowl and knead into a smooth stiff dough, using enough hot water. The dough is split into little balls. The ball is then flattened using one's palms. There are 2 types by which is made. It is either flattened in the plate by palm by pressing or it is made thin by holding the ball in both palms which requires a lot of skill. The tava (pan) is heated and the bhakri is cooked applying little water to the upper surface and spread it all over with the help of your fingers. The other side also cooked on tawa Once it is prepared, it is roasted in the direct flame on both the sides.[3]
Types of Bhakri
- Jowar Bhakri - The Jowar Bhakri is the most common type of bhakri. The dough is prepared by mixing the jowar flour with hot water and then the roti is spread using the palm. Making a bhakri requires practice.[4]
- Bajra Bhakri - The Bajra bhakri is mainly prepared in winter especially near the festival of Sankrant. The preparation is similar as of jowar bhakri. This is normally consumed with chutney and butter.
- Nachni Bhakri - The nachni bhakhri, or Ragi Rotti is made of red finger millet. The preparations are same as others.
- Rice Bhakri - The rice bhakhri is made of rice flour. The preparations are same as others. Common in Konkan.
See also
References
- ^ a b Taylor Sen, Colleen (2004). Food Culture in India. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 41. ISBN 0-313-32487-5. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
- ^ a b c d Khatan, Asha. Epicure's Vegetarian Cuisines of India. Popular Prakashan. p. 57. ISBN 81-7991-119-5. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
- ^ Bhakri preparation
- ^ Jowar roti(Jolad rotti) – An easy way