Spicy foods can be dealt with in a number of different ways including drinking milk as we’ve discussed on this website. We’ve also spoken about drinks to avoid when eating spicy foods as some can make it worse.
Bread is one of the foods that can be used to counteract the effects of spicy foods and you can do so in a number of ways. The question is, which breads should you choose from?
When it comes to eating bread to counteract the spiciness of foods, you’ll want to choose breads that have a neutral or mild flavor and a soft, fluffy texture such as white bread, naan, baguette, flatbread or cornbread.
Let’s discuss some specific bread options plus some spicy dishes where adding bread is a nice complement.
Breads That Help Counteract Spicy Foods
Here are some types of breads that may work well with spicy foods:
Here’s a table listing some of the best breads to eat to counteract the spiciness of foods and explaining why each makes sense and what they offer:
| Bread | Why It Makes Sense |
|---|---|
| White Bread | – Neutral flavor and soft texture make it a mild and soothing accompaniment to spicy foods. |
| – Provides a simple and bland base that helps balance the heat and intensity of spicy dishes. | |
| – Soaks up excess spiciness due to its absorbent nature, offering relief from heat. | |
| Naan Bread | – Traditional Indian flatbread that is often served with spicy curries and dishes. |
| – Its slightly chewy texture and mild flavor complement spicy flavors without overwhelming them. | |
| – Acts as a versatile vehicle for scooping up saucy or spicy dishes. | |
| Roti/Chapati | – Common in Indian cuisine, these whole wheat flatbreads have a mild taste. |
| – Provides a wholesome and fiber-rich accompaniment that balances the spiciness of curries and chutneys. | |
| – Offers a healthier option compared to some other bread types. | |
| Baguette | – French baguettes have a crispy crust and soft interior, making them an excellent choice for spicy sandwiches. |
| – The chewy texture and neutral taste provide a pleasant contrast to the heat of spicy fillings. | |
| – Ideal for making spicy sandwiches with ingredients like grilled meats or spicy aioli. | |
| Yogurt Flatbread | – Made with yogurt, these flatbreads are popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. |
| – The yogurt adds a cooling element, which can help counteract the heat of spicy dishes. | |
| – Has a slight tanginess that complements spicy flavors, making it a well-rounded choice. | |
| Cornbread | – The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs nicely with spicy chili or barbecue dishes. |
| – Offers a hint of sweetness that can provide contrast to the heat of spicy sauces and seasonings. | |
| – Commonly served in Southern cuisine with spicy barbecue meats. |
These bread options are well-suited to counteract the spiciness of foods due to their neutral or mild flavors, contrasting textures, and ability to provide relief from heat. Choosing the right bread can enhance your dining experience when enjoying spicy dishes, as it can balance and complement the intense flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Ultimately, the type of bread you choose will depend on personal preference and what is available to you. The key is to choose a bread that has a mild flavor and a soft, fluffy texture that can help to absorb the heat and soothe the mouth after eating spicy foods.
Another food to add where appropriate is something starchy such as potatoes, white rice or plain pasta.
Why Plain Breads Help Alleviate Effects Of Spicy Foods
Plain breads, such as white bread or mild-flavored flatbreads like naan or tortillas, can help alleviate the effects of spicy foods for several reasons:
- Neutralizing Heat: Plain breads have a neutral or mild flavor profile, which means they don’t contain compounds that intensify spiciness. When you eat plain bread alongside spicy foods, it acts as a “blank canvas” for your palate, providing a soothing contrast to the heat.
- Absorption of Spices: Breads are often absorbent, and their soft texture allows them to soak up excess spiciness. This can help dilute the concentration of spicy compounds in your mouth, providing relief from the burning sensation.
- Cooling Sensation: Plain breads, especially when slightly warm, can create a cooling sensation in your mouth. This cooling effect can help counteract the heat generated by spicy foods.
- Texture Contrast: The texture of plain breads, whether soft or slightly crispy, contrasts with the typically soft and saucy texture of many spicy dishes. This contrast provides a pleasant and satisfying mouthfeel, reducing the perceived intensity of the spiciness.
- Balanced Meal: Combining plain bread with spicy foods can create a more balanced and satisfying meal. The carbohydrates in bread can help balance the intensity of the spices, making the overall dining experience more enjoyable.
- Buffering Effect: Breads can act as a buffer against the spiciness. They create a physical barrier between your taste buds and the spicy components in the food, reducing direct contact and the immediate impact of the heat.
Overall, the choice of plain breads to alleviate the effects of spicy foods is a culinary strategy that can provide comfort and relief, allowing you to better enjoy the flavors of a spicy dish without being overwhelmed by its heat.
Popular Spicy Dishes To Serve Bread With
Bread can be a great accompaniment to spicy dishes as it helps to neutralize the spiciness in your mouth. Here are some spicy dishes that go well with bread:
- Curry: A spicy curry, whether it’s Indian, Thai or any other variety, can be perfectly complemented with bread. Naan, roti, or pita bread are great options. Naan is great to mop up curry sauce, too.
- Chili: A bowl of chili can be extremely spicy, but adding a slice of bread can help to balance the heat. Cornbread or a crusty baguette are good choices.
- Spicy stews: Bread is also a great option to go with spicy stews like jambalaya or gumbo. Try pairing with a hearty bread like sourdough or a crusty Italian loaf.
- Spicy sandwiches: Spicy sandwiches like a Cuban sandwich or a spicy chicken sandwich can be paired with a soft roll or a French baguette to help absorb some of the heat.
- Spicy dips: Bread can also be paired with spicy dips like hummus or salsa. Try a pita bread or a crusty baguette with your favorite spicy dip.
Remember, when choosing bread to pair with spicy dishes, it’s best to choose breads that are not too sweet or rich as this can make the spiciness worse.
As far as drinks go, try milk or plain yogurt and stay away from alcohol and soda which can make spiciness worse.