Quick Answer
Yes, lentil papadum is generally considered gluten free. Papadums made from lentil flour do not contain any gluten, making them a safe option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, some lentil papadums may be produced in facilities that also process wheat, so there is a small risk of cross-contamination. To be sure a brand of lentil papadum is gluten free, check the packaging for a “gluten free” certification.
What is Papadum?
Papadum, also known as papad or appalam, is a thin, crispy flatbread originating from the Indian subcontinent. Traditional papadums are made from seasoned dough that is rolled very thin and then dried. They are usually made from lentil or chickpea flour.
Papadums are served as an appetizer or side dish in Indian cuisine. They can be eaten plain or served with chutneys, pickles, or dips. Papadums add a lovely crunchy texture and flavor to meals.
Are Lentils Gluten Free?
Yes, lentils are naturally gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Lentils are legumes, not grains, so they do not contain gluten.
All types of lentils, including brown, green, red, yellow, black, and Puy lentils, are gluten free. Lentil flour, made from ground lentils, is also gluten free.
Why Lentil Papadums Are Usually Gluten Free
Papadums made from lentil flour and water do not inherently contain any gluten. So lentil papadums are generally considered gluten free.
Here’s why:
- Lentil flour is naturally gluten free, as lentils do not contain gluten.
- Traditional papadum recipes call for just lentil flour and water as ingredients.
- No gluten-containing grains like wheat are used in making them.
For these reasons, papadums made solely from lentils can be presumed to be gluten free.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While lentil papadums are gluten free in their basic form, there is a chance they could contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Here are potential sources of gluten cross-contamination:
- The facility that produces the papadums may also process wheat-based products, and gluten could get into the lentil papadums through shared equipment.
- Some brands add wheat flour to their lentil papadum recipe for variation in flavor and texture. Check the ingredients list for wheat flour or ambiguous ingredients like “starch.”
- Workers handling wheat-based dough may also come into contact with the lentil papadums and transfer gluten to them.
So even though lentil papadums themselves are gluten free, cross-contamination during production and processing may introduce small amounts of gluten.
Certified Gluten Free Lentil Papadums Are Safest
To ensure a brand of lentil papadum is definitively gluten free, look for a “gluten free” certification on the packaging.
Papadum producers can submit products to reputable third-party certifiers who test them to verify they fall below gluten contamination thresholds, usually at less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
Some well-known gluten free certifications to look for include:
- Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- Celiac Sprue Association Recognition Seal (CSA)
- National Celiac Association Recognition Seal (NCA)
When selecting certified gluten free lentil papadums, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy them with confidence knowing they are tested and verified gluten free.
Are All Lentil Papadums Gluten Free?
While most lentil papadums are gluten free, not all brands or varieties can be presumed gluten free. As discussed above, the risk of cross-contamination makes it impossible to definitively state that all lentil papadums are guaranteed gluten free.
Additionally, some lentil papadum manufacturers add other flours like wheat or barley to create different flavors and textures. Always check the ingredients list before purchasing.
So to summarize:
- Plain lentil flour papadums are naturally gluten free.
- Potential for cross-contamination introduces a small risk of gluten.
- Added wheat or gluten-containing grains make some lentil papadums unsafe.
- Look for “gluten free” labels from reputable certifiers to be absolutely sure.
Without gluten free certification or verifying the ingredients, it’s impossible to say with complete certainty that all lentil papadums are gluten free. Check labels carefully if gluten is a concern.
Are Other Types of Papadum Gluten Free?
While lentil flour papadums are generally gluten free, papadums made from other flour sources may not be:
- Chickpea flour papadums – Like lentils, chickpeas do not contain gluten, so chickpea flour papadums are typically gluten free. But they can risk cross-contamination with gluten, so certified gluten free is ideal.
- Rice flour papadums – Rice flour does not have gluten, so rice papadums are safe as long as no other gluten-containing ingredients are added. Check for certification.
- Wheat flour papadums – Wheat flour contains gluten, so these papadums are not gluten free.
- Bajra flour papadums – Bajra is the Indian term for pearl millet, a gluten containing grain. Papadums made with bajra flour are not gluten free.
The key is to check the flour source – both lentil flour and chickpea flour papadums have the potential to be gluten free, while wheat flour and bajra flour papadums contain gluten. When in doubt, look for “gluten free” labels from trustworthy certifiers.
What About Cross-Contamination from Fryers?
Many restaurants serve papadums that have been fried in oil. So another question is whether papadums can become cross-contaminated with gluten from frying oil.
If a restaurant uses the same fryer to cook breaded, gluten-containing foods like chicken strips, there is a possibility of gluten cross-contact.
However, studies show the amount of gluten that transfers through shared fryer oil is typically negligible. Levels are found to be below 5-10 ppm, which is considered very low risk.
So cross-contamination from fryers may be a concern for those extremely sensitive, but is relatively minimal according to research. Of course, request dedicated fryers for the highly gluten-sensitive.
Cooking Suggestions for Gluten Free Lentil Papadum
Here are some preparation tips and serving ideas for enjoying gluten free lentil papadums:
- Dry roasting – You can eat lentil papadums straight from the package. Simply dry roast them directly over the stovetop flame for a few seconds until puffed and crisped. Turn them frequently with tongs so they don’t burn.
- Oven roasting – For a lower-fat option, place papadums in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp.
- Frying – Quickly fry papadums in hot oil for 15-30 seconds until puffed up. Use just enough oil to submerge them and fry in batches.
- Flavored oils – After roasting or frying, you can toss papadums with a bit of flavored oil like coconut or olive oil. Sprinkling with chaat masala spice blend also adds flavor.
- Accompaniments – Serve alongside curry, dal, chutneys, raita, or use to scoop up sabzi or other dish as an edible utensil.
With a pleasing crunch and versatility, gluten free lentil papadums open up many appetizing options for the gluten sensitive diet.
Are Major Lentil Papadum Brands Gluten Free?
Many popular brands of lentil papadums are certified gluten free or marked gluten free on packaging:
| Brand | Gluten Free Status |
|---|---|
| Deep Foods | Labeled gluten free |
| iLove Papadums | Certified gluten free (NCA seal) |
| Angel Foods | Labeled gluten free |
| Swad | Certified gluten free (GFCO seal) |
| Simply Indian | States gluten free online |
This table shows some popular lentil papadum brands that identify their products as gluten free through certification, package labels, or online product information.
However, always double check for the gluten free label or certification symbol on the actual package when purchasing, as formulations can change over time. Individual flavor varieties of these brands may also differ in gluten free status, so check each one.
When in doubt, reach out to the manufacturer directly to inquire about testing procedures and gluten free verification before consuming.
Are Restaurant Lentil Papadums Safe?
Dining out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can be challenging. But many Indian restaurants offer lentil papadums that can be safe options with proper precautions.
Here are some tips for enjoying restaurant papadums gluten free:
- Ask your server to check the ingredients list or with the chef to confirm no wheat flour is added.
- Request that your papadums are prepared in a dedicated gluten free fryer.
- Explain your gluten intolerance and the risk of cross-contact from gluten-containing foods.
- Avoid papadum baskets that stay on the table and have repeated contact with glutenous hands.
- Check that chutneys, sauces, and other accompaniments are gluten free.
- Purchase brands of papadum from grocery stores you know are gluten free to bring with you.
With careful questions and precautions, those sensitive to gluten can often enjoy lentil papadums from Indian restaurants. But when in doubt, stick to certified gluten free products from home you know are safe.
Bottom Line
In their plain traditional form made solely from lentils, papadums do not contain gluten. However, due to the risk of cross-contamination and ingredients like added wheat flour, not all lentil papadums on the market may be certified gluten free.
To conclude:
- Look for reputable “gluten free” labels from certifying organizations to ensure safety.
- Check ingredients lists and ask manufacturers about gluten testing.
- Inquire about prep procedures when ordering at restaurants.
- With proper care in selection and preparation, lentil papadums can be an delicious gluten free option.
Overall, lentil papadums provide a tasty gluten free option that opens up the flavors of Indian cuisine. With careful verification of ingredients and production, those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can explore lentil papadums with peace of mind.
