What are Poppadoms?

When ordering out for Indian cuisine, many patrons would consider the meal incomplete without a fresh serving of poppadoms. Poppadoms are flat, crispy flour-based food designed to accompany Indian dishes. The flatbread can be topped or dipped in any food preferred.
Though often called a bread or flatbread, the poppadum is more like a cracker, or even a tortilla chip, due to its crisp crunchiness. Also known as a papadum or papad, the crispy creation is typically fried. It can also be prepared roasted, microwaved, or toasted. Circular in shape, it is normally made with a simple mixture of flour, water, and a bit of cooking oil. A slang term for poppadoms is "poppers."

Lentil flour is a traditional base for poppadom making. Chickpea flour is another common ingredient. Urid flour may be used for a nuttier, richer flavor. Most flours, however, can be incorporated into a successful poppadom recipe if others are unavailable. Various rices and potatoes can be used as well.
The most common use for these flatbreads is as an accompaniment for other South Asian dishes. A patron of an Indian restaurant may expect to be served a small stack of the crispy breads along with various sauces, meats, and vegetables. Large flatbreads can be used as wraps, or serve a similar function to the Mexican tostada. As such, it can be topped with anything from sweet fruit chutney to diced pungent vegetables.

Uncooked poppadoms can also be used in cooking. After being dried, the dough can be added to different meals as a thickening agent. Curry and vegetable dishes often contain poppadom dough. During cooking, the dough can also be flavored with any spices the chef prefers, such as garlic, chili, black pepper, or cumin.
Poppadoms that are formed into smaller portions, such as chips or crisps, and prepared with ghee, a South Asian butter, are known as happala. Happala often contains other exotic ingredients, such as jackfruit, black gram, and tapioca. Another similar product is known as Appalam. Appalam is usually eaten as a snack, and flavored with peanut oil, salt, and other flavorings. In some regions, people use these terms interchangeably with poppadoms.

In India, poppadoms are considered to be a symbol of women's empowerment. Female-run businesses are known for producing these flatbreads as well as other snacks, such as pickled foods. Poppadum is also a name used for some Indian restaurants in the Western world.
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Discussion Comments
I was looking for Indian food recipes when I found this article. I like reading about food and the roles it plays in our lives, and the poppadom is much more versatile than I had imagined.
When I first started cooking I spent ages learning how to make chutney. My version is a worthy contender for any restaurant these days. Currently I'm experimenting with the mint sauce you can dip poppers into.
The easiest method is simply a mix of plain yogurt, prepared mint sauce from the store and some sugar. Adding a few spices such as cumin can change this up a little.
What I really like about poppadoms is that they are quite light in calories. Each one has about 65, and if you team them with a nice cucumber dip like raita you can indulge without guilt.
When I eat at my local Indian restaurant they always serve you poppadoms and chutney while you wait for your main meal. I tend to eat so many that I lose my appetite!
As much as I love them this is a ritual best enjoyed in a sit down place. If I chose a delivery only restaurant I would never order or eat poppadoms.
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