With so many breads to choose from, many of us have had more than our fair share of bread consumption. From baguettes to naans, breads brighten up our meals and stomachs. It’s one of the few foods out there that comes in variety, and it’s always a surprise to try a new kind of bread every day.
In the spirit of all things bread, we’ve compiled a list of much-loved breads and their home nations. Let’s dive in, shall we?
#1 CIABATTA
The Italians are not only known for their pizzas and pastas. They’re also renowned for various kinds of baked goods, especially breads of various types.
Ciabatta, a slipper-like shaped bread, is a staple of doughy goodness. This porous and chewy bread is best-eaten plain or accompanied with toppings. If you’re a fan of Italian food, you’ll know that ciabatta is frequently paired with dishes like thick tomato-based soups or even stews.
The humble ciabatta can also be used as a choice of bread for sandwiches or burgers. Its porous texture helps soak up and hold in all the juicy goodness of the sandwich stuffings. Ciabatta is also a gift that keeps on giving. Stale ciabattas can be used as croutons for salads. All you need to do is toast them in a pan or toaster until they’re brown and crispy.
#2 NAAN
When you go to a local mamak, the naan section of the menu often takes up its own page. Familiar mouthwatering dishes such as Garlic Cheese Naan, Plain Naan, Pizza Naan, Naan with Tandoori chicken, and more are classic Malaysian mamak staples.
However, did you know? This much- loved bread originated in India before it was revolutionised with cheese and other toppings from around the world. Originally, naan was made using a traditional clay oven. Now, naan can be cooked in a conventional oven or even on the stove if you have the magic touch!
Naan these days can be made from scratch (using flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and some water), or it can also be bought frozen from the frozen food aisle of most big-time convenience stores and grocers.
Naan is best complemented with a jazzy mint chutney alongside some dalca.
#3 TORTILLAS
Mexico is known for its passionate people and colourful cuisine! Delicacies such as nachos, enchiladas, guacamoles, and more have grown to be favourites across the globe, and we have our Mexican brothers and sisters to thank for it!
Quesadillas and tacos are two of the many staple foods from Mexican cuisine that are lauded around the world. What do these dishes share in common? What do these dishes share in common? The answer is tortillas.
Tortillas are corn-based flatbreads that make a great base for a lot of Mexican dishes. It’s easy to make and easy to bake, making it a quick favourite across various cultures. Though corn tortillas are the most commonly found, there are also other variations of tortillas, such as flour-based tortillas ranging from vegan options to beetroot tortillas. There’s a version for everyone out there.
#4 PRETZELS
The pretzels have been said to date back to southern Germany more than 100 years ago. This twisty bread is known for its distinctive symmetrical shape that is often shaped into a knot.
Just like its signature twist, the origin of pretzels can leave historians in a knot. The exact origins of pretzels are unclear, and they remain a mystery to this day. Many unverified sources claim it was invented by an Italian monk in the year 610 A.D. to reward young children for learning their prayers.
The unknown history of pretzels didn’t stop people around the world from enjoying this baked pastry. Today, the humble pretzel can be enjoyed as it is, glazed, or even crumbled on top of ice cream and cakes. The possibilities are endless with this knotted-baked delicacy.
#5 BAGELS
Bagels are thought to originate from Poland, where Polish bakers first boiled the dough before baking them. This process is said to help hold the shape of the bagel, and reports also claim that the bagel was created to celebrate the Polish king, who was winning horse-riding matches.
In the present day, bagels are a crowd favourite due to their versatility. People enjoy consuming bagels in the form of sandwiches or even with toppings such as avocados and blueberries (as separate dishes, of course).
Bagels are also pretty simple to make, as they use basic ingredients such as flour, salt, and yeast. Don’t be surprised if you see people enjoying their bagels with salami, bacon, and eggs. Breakfast bagels are another name for it!
Source: Food Network, Britannica, Food Republic, Spoon University
