Universal Press Syndicate
June 27, 2007
By Carolyn Wyman and Bonnie Tandy Leblang

Supermarket Sampler

Baji's Papadum Chips. Tangy Cilantro, Creamy Yogurt & Dill, Traditional Tandoori, and Mango Chutney. $2.99 per 4-ounce bag.

Bonnie: Papadums are thin crispy wafers about the size of a tortilla chip made using lentil, rice or bean flour, typically served with a meal or eaten as a snack. Now you can purchase Papadum all-natural vegetarian "chips" made from fava bean flour in four varieties at the supermarket.

A 1-ounce serving contains 130 calories, 200 to 260 milligrams of sodium and 1 gram of fiber, which is somewhat comparable to potato or tortilla chips, although much lower in fat. Because these are made from bean flour, they contain 3 to 4 grams of protein that most other American snack chips lack. They're also gluten-free.

Served solo, these chips are too mildly flavored and not crispy enough. I recommend serving them with a flavorful hummus or, better yet, as an accompaniment to a spicy Indian meal of biryani or curry.

Carolyn: When I saw the word "papadum" on this new product, I expected a snack with the extremely thin, crispy texture and beany taste of the papadums I've had in Indian restaurants. So my first reaction to these Baji Papadums was disappointment that they aren't like those. These are more like Cheetos dusted with Indian spices instead of cheese powder, or Indian entrees in crispy, chip form.

Viewed and judged this way, they are quite good. The Tangy Cilantro is actually quite mild and will be a good choice for people who usually order curry in Indian restaurants. The Mango Chutney will be too hot for most Anglos. The Traditional Tandoori is the most prototypically Indian and is the best first choice for anyone who wants to give these papadums a try.

In short, the only real problem here is this product's name.

Bonnie Tandy Leblang is a registered dietitian and professional speaker. Carolyn Wyman is a junk-food fanatic and author of "Better Than Homemade: Amazing Foods That Changed the Way We Eat" (Quirk). Each week they critique three new food items. For previous columns, visit www.supermarketsampler.com, and for more food info and chances to win free products, visit www.biteofthebest.com.

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