Bread, often referred to as the "staff of life," is a fundamental staple in the global culinary landscape. This simple yet versatile food has been a dietary mainstay for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its basic ingredients, typically flour, water, yeast, and salt, are transformed through the process of fermentation and baking into a diverse array of bread types, from crusty artisanal loaves to soft, pillowy rolls.
Bread offers a variety of options, starting with English muffins, sourdough, cornbread, and whole wheat. They are an integral part of every meal, whether you’re starting your day with bread toast for breakfast or enjoying masala sandwiches. Bread can also be enjoyed as a dessert, like shahi tukda. Although it is a great breakfast or tiffin option, we should not overlook its potential on the dinner menu. If you want a simple and hassle-free dinner option, then you've got us covered.
Take a look at some amazing dinner options made with bread:
- Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joes are an iconic American comfort food known for their messy yet irresistible appeal. This classic sandwich is made by cooking ground beef, turkey, or sometimes even plant-based substitutes with a flavorful mixture of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and a medley of spices like chilli powder, paprika, and garlic.
The resulting filling is simmered until it's thick, hearty, and saucy, then generously spooned onto hamburger buns or rolls. The name "Sloppy Joe" is fitting, as eating one often involves a delightful mess, with the savoury meat mixture spilling out of the bun as you take a bite.
- Garlic Cheese Bread
Garlic cheese bread is a mouthwatering and indulgent dish that combines the irresistible flavours of garlic, cheese, and bread. Typically made by spreading a generous amount of garlic butter or minced garlic mixed with butter onto slices of bread, this savoury treat is then generously topped with grated cheese, often mozzarella or cheddar.
The bread is then toasted or baked until it becomes golden and the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbling layer of deliciousness. The result is a harmonious fusion of garlicky, buttery goodness with the ooey-gooey richness of melted cheese.
- Stuffed Vegetable Bread
Stuffed vegetable bread is a delectable fusion of flavours and textures, marrying the wholesome goodness of bread with a colourful medley of vegetables and savoury fillings. To create this mouthwatering dish, a loaf of bread is hollowed out, creating a cavity that serves as a canvas for a delightful assortment of vegetables and other ingredients.
Common fillings include sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, and sometimes even diced tomatoes or olives, all seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices. This mixture is then generously stuffed into the bread, often layered with cheese or a creamy sauce for an added burst of flavour and richness. The stuffed bread is then baked until the exterior becomes crispy, and the interior is warm and bubbling with a harmonious blend of ingredients.
- Bread Dahi Vada
Bread dahi vada is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian dish, dahi vada, which typically features lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt and topped with various chutneys and spices. In this creative variation, slices of bread are used instead of lentil dumplings to create a quicker and easier version of the dish.
To prepare bread dahi vada, small rounds or squares of bread are soaked in water briefly to soften them, then squeezed to remove excess moisture. These bread pieces are then dipped into creamy yoghurt, seasoned with salt and spices, and garnished with a blend of tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and aromatic spices like cumin and chilli powder.
- Chicken Keema Bread Roll
The chicken keema bread roll is a savoury and flavorful snack that combines the richness of spiced chicken mince with the comfort of bread. To create this delectable dish, ground chicken is sautéed with a medley of aromatic spices, onions, and sometimes vegetables, creating a savoury and succulent filling.
Slices of bread are flattened and rolled out to create thin sheets, which are then filled with the seasoned chicken keema mixture. These rolls are carefully sealed and deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains moist and bursting with flavour.
- Tawa Bread Rolls
To craft these delectable treats, slices of bread are generously coated with a flavorful mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, and sometimes other vegetables, along with an assortment of herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. Once the bread is thoroughly coated and seasoned, it's tightly rolled into cylinders, resembling miniature spring rolls. These rolls are then shallow-fried on a hot griddle or tawa until they become golden and crispy on the outside, resulting in a perfect contrast to the flavorful and soft interior.
- Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a delightful and comforting dessert that transforms leftover or stale bread into a decadent treat. To create this classic dish, cubes or slices of bread are soaked in a rich, sweet custard mixture typically made with ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. The bread absorbs the creamy custard, softening as it bakes to create a luscious, pudding-like texture.
Additional ingredients like raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg are often added to enhance the flavour profile. Once baked to golden perfection, bread pudding can be served warm or at room temperature, often topped with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.