Homemade Naan: Easy and Delicious Indian Bread Recipe
Naan is a delicious Indian bread that is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a spicy curry or a hearty dal, naan is the perfect accompaniment. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually quite simple. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make delicious and easy homemade naan with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
To make 4 servings of naan bread, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
- Add the warm milk and oil, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest for 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll them out into oval shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown spots appear.
- Brush each naan with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic and cilantro (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
While plain naan is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Naan: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it on top of the naan before serving.
- Cilantro Naan: Mix chopped cilantro with melted butter and brush it on top of the naan before serving.
- Onion Naan: Mix chopped onions with the dough before rolling it out and cooking.
- Cheese Naan: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the naan before cooking and let it melt.
- Whole Wheat Naan: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Conclusion
Making homemade naan may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. With this recipe, you’ll be able to impress your dinner guests with delicious and easy-to-make naan bread. Whether you’re serving it with a spicy curry or just enjoying it on its own, naan is the perfect addition to any Indian meal.
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FAQ
What is Naan?
Naan is a type of flatbread that is popular in Indian cuisine. It is typically made with flour, yeast, water, and salt, and is cooked in a tandoor oven.
What is a tandoor oven?
A tandoor oven is a traditional Indian oven that is made of clay. It is heated with charcoal or wood, and can reach temperatures of up to 900°F. Naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, but it can also be made on a stove or in a regular oven.
Can I make Naan without a tandoor oven?
Yes, you can make Naan without a tandoor oven. You can cook it on a stove using a cast iron skillet or griddle, or in a regular oven using a baking stone.
How do I make Naan dough?
To make Naan dough, you will need flour, yeast, water, salt, and optionally sugar and yogurt. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rise until it doubles in size.
How long does Naan dough need to rise?
Naan dough typically needs to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
Can I add toppings to Naan?
Yes, you can add toppings to Naan. Some popular toppings include garlic, cilantro, sesame seeds, and nigella seeds. You can also stuff Naan with cheese, potatoes, or other fillings.
How do I cook Naan?
To cook Naan, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Roll out the Naan dough into a circle or oval shape, then cook it on the skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it puffs up and gets charred spots. Brush the cooked Naan with butter or ghee before serving.
How can I keep Naan warm?
To keep Naan warm, you can wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil. You can also place it in a warm oven (set to the lowest temperature) until ready to serve.
How long does Naan last?
Naan is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the Naan in foil and place it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
What can I serve Naan with?
Naan is typically served with Indian curries, sauces, and chutneys. It can also be used as a wrap or sandwich bread, or served with hummus or other dips.