Papadums (also known as papads) are a popular side dish or snack enjoyed with a variety of meals, particularly in Indian cuisine. If you love Indian food and are on a gluten-free diet, you might be wondering, “Are papadums gluten-free?” For Australians managing gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or those who prefer to avoid gluten for health purposes, it’s crucial to be aware of the ingredients and preparation techniques used in papadums.
What are papadums?
Papadum is a snack that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Papadum is made by the dough of black gram bean flour that is either deep fried or cooked with dry heat ( flipped over an open flame) until crunchy. It is served with various varieties like chutneys or curries.
Are Papadums Gluten-Free?
Yes, papadums (also called papads) are generally gluten-free, but it depends on the ingredients used. The traditional recipe for papadums typically includes lentil flour (such as urad dal), chickpea flour (gram flour), or other types of legume flours. These flours are naturally gluten-free, making most papadums suitable for a gluten-free diet.
However, there are some things to consider:
- Cross-contamination risks: Ensure gluten-free foods are kept separate from those containing gluten, as even a tiny amount can cause symptoms and harm the small intestine in those with coeliac disease.
- Additional ingredients: While the main ingredients are gluten-free, such as lentils, chickpeas, black gram, rice, and potatoes, it’s important to be mindful of added ingredients that could introduce gluten.
Read also: Are Chips Gluten-Free in Australia?
Common ingredients in papadums
The ingredients used in papadums are key to determining whether they are gluten-free. Common ingredients in Indian papadums include:
- Lentil flour: It is a type of pulse crop, along with dry beans, field peas, or chickpeas. Lentil is found by grinding and milling lentils into fine powder.
- Chickpea flour (besan): It is produced from the garbanzo beanIt is used in free gluten baking and a good source of fibre.
- Rice flour: This gluten-free flour helps give papadums their crispy texture.
- Black gram (urad dal): This type of legume is used in some papadum recipes and is gluten-free.
These ingredients, when pure and unprocessed with gluten-containing additives, are all naturally gluten-free. However, you should still be mindful of any packaging labels indicating possible cross-contamination.
Gluten-Containing Additives to Watch Out For
Some additives can introduce gluten, including:
- Wheat Flour: Sometimes added to improve texture.
- Starch: Used to enhance baking characteristics such as volume, colour, crumb structure, and texture.
- Seasonings: Various spices and seasonings, such as salt and herbs, may also contain gluten if not checked carefully.
Can you buy gluten-free papadums in Australia?
Yes, you can buy gluten free in Australia. Australia has strict rules and regulation, so according to their laws several brands are certified gluten-free and are made in gluten-free facilities to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
- Check for gluten-free labelling: Always ensure the product complies with Australian regulations and is clearly labelled as gluten-free.
- Shop at health food stores: Many Australian stores provide a wide range of gluten-free products. Well-known brands like “Baba’s” and “Laziza” offer gluten-free papadums.
Can you make your own gluten-free papadums?
You can easily make gluten-free papadums at home using the following ingredients and method:
Ingredients:
- Lentil flour or one cup chickpea flour (besan)
- One tsp. salt
- One tsp seeds of cumin
- Water for kneading the dough
- Average amount of oil for frying
Method:
- Mix the flour, salt, and cumin seeds in a bowl.
- Gradually add water to form a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out on a flat surface.
- Fry the rolled dough in hot oil until crispy and golden.
Enjoy the papadums on their own or serve them with dips and sauces for extra flavour.
Conclusion
Papadums, traditionally made from ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and rice, are generally gluten-free. In Australia, gluten-free papadums are available in stores, and you can also make them at home using simple ingredients. Always ensure that any product is certified gluten-free and be mindful of cross-contamination risks. If it is certified then use the gluten free product without worrying. You can also make the gluten free product by using some pure ingredients: salt, water, chickpea flour and cumin with some oil to make its texture delicious and crispy.
