Which Indian Breads are Gluten Free?

Gluten free diet has so far been considered a 'western' diet not prevalent in India. But with the incidence of gluten related disorders rising in India, the need for gluten free food is becoming critical in India as well.

Jowar and Bajra Vegetable Roti

The Indian breads, Rotis and Parathas, which are out staple food, are generally perceived to be the most difficult to prepare without wheat. The most common cereals to be avoided for those sensitive to gluten are wheat, refined flour (maida), bulgur wheat, semolina, barley and rye.

Mooli Jowar ki Roti ( Gluten Free Recipe )

Flours from various gluten free grains available in India like jowar, bajra, rice, buckwheat, nachni, rajgira, soya etc. can be used instead. So here’s how you can tempt yourself with a differently coloured and flavoured roti every day while on a gluten free diet.

Bajra Aloo Roti ( Gluten Free Recipe)

So here's how to combine different Gluten free flours to give healthy Gluten Free Breads.

1. Common flours are the best: Jowar flour, bajra flour, rice flour etc. which are found in most kitchens should be placed on top of the shelf. Explore them to make create daily rotis like Jowar Roti and Bajra Aloo Roti.

Jowar Roti

2. Add a touch of Greens:  Green leafy veggies not only add visual appeal, but they also add to taste and lend a whole lot of nutrients. Bajra Gajar Palak Roti and Suva Chawal Paratha as perfect examples for this.

Bajra Gajar Palak Paratha, Gluten Free Recipe

3. Explore some Uncommon Flours too: Nachni flour, buckwheat flour, rajgira flour are also good options to explore. Nachni flour is easily available in the stores and can be used to make Nachni Bhakri. Buckwheat flour, isn’t easily available in stores. But you can buy buckwheat and grind it at home using a mixer. Then use to create recipes like Suva Buckwheat Roti. This is a combination of two flours – buckwheat flour and jowar flour.

Plain Ragi Roti, Plain Nachni Roti

4. Add herbs for Added Flavour: Stuffed Buckwheat Roti makes use of fresh herb coriander, while Green Peas Paratha uses cumin seeds for enhanced taste.

Suva Buckwheat Roti

5. Use Paneer as Binding Agent: Often people find it difficult to roll jowar and bajra flour roti because they are gluten-free flours. Use paneer then. It helps bind the dough very well. Try the Palak Paneer Roti made with rice flour and ragi flour.

Palak Paneer Roti ( Gluten Free Recipe )

6. Use a combination of flours: A mix of flours ensures more taste. Try the Three Grain Paratha.

Three Grain Paratha ( Gluten Free Recipe)