Recipes Using Leftover Brown Bread By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani…

By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Introduction Of Brown Bread

Brown bread, also known as whole wheat bread or wholemeal bread, is a nutritious type of bread made from whole grain wheat flour, unlike white bread which is made from refined flour. It retains the bran and germ layers of the wheat kernel,

providing a richer nutritional profile with higher fiber content, vitamins, and minerals. Brown bread offers numerous health benefits, including promoting digestive health, supporting heart health, aiding in weight management, and helping to control blood sugar levels.

Its earthy flavour and dense texture make it a popular choice for sandwiches, toast, and various culinary creations. Additionally, its versatility in cooking allows for the creation of delicious dishes such as bread pudding, stuffing, and croutons.

Incorporating brown bread into your diet can be a flavourful and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of whole grains.

Origin Of Brown Bread

Brown bread has been consumed for centuries and its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint. However, it’s believed that brown bread, also known as whole wheat bread or wholemeal bread, originated from ancient civilizations that cultivated grains like wheat and barley.

Early versions of brown bread were likely made by grinding whole grains into flour and baking them into bread. Over time, various cultures developed their own methods and recipes for making brown bread, resulting in the diverse array of whole wheat breads we have today.

Health Benefits Of Brown Bread

1. Nutrient Density: Whole wheat bread retains more of the grain’s nutrients, including fiber,
   vitamins, and minerals, compared to refined white bread. This includes nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
2. Fiber Content: Brown bread is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps
   regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management.
3. Heart Health: The fiber and nutrients in brown bread can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure control.
4. Weight Management: Due to its higher fibre content and lower glycemic index compared to white bread, brown bread can help with weight management by promoting satiety and reducing the likelihood of overeating.
5. Blood Sugar Control: The fiber in whole wheat bread slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
6. Antioxidants: Whole grains, including those found in brown bread, contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Recipes Using Leftover Brown Bread

1. Bread Uttapam Pizza:

Ingredients:

• 4 slices leftover brown bread
• 1/2 cup semolina (rava)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Handful of chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Pizza sauce
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare a batter by mixing semolina, yogurt, chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, coriander leaves, and salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Cut each bread slice into two halves to make smaller pieces.
3. Dip each bread piece into the batter, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and drizzle some olive oil.
5. Place the batter-coated bread pieces on the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Once cooked, spread pizza sauce on each bread piece.
7. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and cover the pan until the cheese melts.
8. Serve hot as uttapam pizzas.

2. Bread Kofta Curry:

Ingredients:

For koftas:

• 6 slices leftover brown bread
• 2 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

For curry:

• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. For koftas: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, ginger- garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Dip each bread slice in water and squeeze out excess water.
3. Add soaked bread to the potato mixture and form small balls.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the koftas until golden brown. Drain excess oil and set aside.
5. For curry: Heat oil in a separate pan and add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
6. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
7. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until tomatoes turn soft.
8. Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
9. Gently add the fried koftas to the gravy and simmer for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

3. Bread Idli:

Ingredients:

• 8 slices leftover brown bread
• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Cut each bread slice into small pieces and blend into crumbs.
2. In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, semolina, yogurt, baking soda, and salt. Add water if needed to make a thick batter.
3. Grease idli molds with oil and pour the batter into each mold.
4. Steam the idlis for about 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with chutney or sambar.

4. Bread Halwa:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices leftover brown bread
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• A pinch of saffron strands
• Chopped nuts for garnish (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

Instructions:

1. Cut the brown bread slices into small pieces.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and fry the bread pieces until golden brown and crispy.
3. In another pan, heat milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add saffron strands to the milk and mix well.
5. Add the fried bread pieces to the milk mixture and cook until it thickens and reaches a halwa consistency.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm.

5. Bread Bhurji:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices leftover brown bread
• 3 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves for garnish
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cut the brown bread slices into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes turn soft.
4. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add them to the pan.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the eggs are scrambled.
6. Add the bread pieces to the scrambled eggs and mix well.
7. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

6. Bread Raita:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices leftover brown bread
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut the brown bread slices into small cubes and toast them until crispy.
2. In a bowl, whisk yogurt until smooth.
3. Add grated cucumber, chopped tomatoes, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt to the yogurt. Mix well.
4. Add the toasted bread cubes to the yogurt mixture and stir gently.
5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leftover brown bread can be transformed into a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes, adding flavour, texture, and value to your meals while reducing food waste.

From savoury options like bread upma, bread pakora, and bread bhurji to sweet treats like bread halwa, there are endless possibilities to explore in the kitchen. By incorporating traditional Indian ingredients and flavors, you can create satisfying dishes that appeal to both taste buds and health-conscious minds.

So next time you have leftover brown bread, don’t discard it—get creative and whip up a tasty recipe that will delight your senses and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.