Too busy to make hors d'oeuvres? Store-bought Indian dips, breads, dumplings and crunchy snacks are a great alternative. Here are seven that F&W editors liked, available either at Indian markets or by mail order from Kalustyan's (800-352-3451 or www.kalustyans.com) or from Grocery Babu (www.grocerybabu.com).
Boondi Tiny deep-fried pearls of chickpea flour; a fabulous snack when combined with salted nuts. Top brand: Deep.
Chole A dip made with dark brown chickpeas; tasty with either flat breads or crudités. Top brand: Jyoti.
Dal Muth A snack made with lentils flavored with red pepper and turmeric and fried until crunchy. Top brand: Mirch (which mixes in thin, crisp chickpea-flour noodles).
Idli Spongy steamed cakes made from a fermented rice-and-bean batter; serve with a tomatoey sambar sauce. Top brand: Deep.
Nan Leavened flat bread from a clay oven; serve warm. Top brand: Kontos' onion.
Paratha A flaky, griddled wheat bread; serve warm. Top brand: Kalustyan's Methi Paratha, spiced with fenugreek.
Samosas Fried stuffed triangle pastries; serve with chutney. Top brand: Curry Classics' lamb.
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