
There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly made naan bread. Whether you’re using it to scoop up a creamy curry, layering it with your favorite toppings, or simply enjoying it on its own with a brush of garlic butter, naan has a way of making any meal feel extra special. If you’ve never tried making naan at home, you’re in for a treat. It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are far more rewarding than any store-bought alternative.
Why Make Naan at Home?
The beauty of making naan from scratch lies in its freshness and flavor. Store-bought naan, while convenient, often lacks the pillowy softness and smoky flavor that comes from cooking it fresh. Plus, homemade naan gives you the flexibility to customize it to your liking—from the type of flour you use to the toppings you add.
Making naan at home is also a fun culinary project that doesn’t require any special equipment. With a little bit of time and a few pantry staples, you can bring the authentic taste of naan to your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Naan
Get the Dough Right: The texture of your naan starts with the dough. Make sure it’s soft and slightly sticky but still easy to handle. A well-kneaded dough will give your naan its signature elasticity and chewiness.
Let It Rest: Giving your dough enough time to rest and rise is crucial. This helps develop the flavor and ensures the naan will puff up beautifully when cooked.
High Heat Is Key: Traditional naan is cooked in a tandoor oven, which reaches extremely high temperatures. While you may not have a tandoor at home, using a cast iron skillet or even a grill on high heat can mimic the effect. The goal is to get those characteristic charred spots and airy pockets.
Brush It with Flavor: While plain naan is delicious, brushing it with melted butter, garlic, or herbs takes it to the next level. You can even experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or a sprinkle of za’atar for a twist.
Serving Ideas
Naan is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Classic Pairings: Serve naan alongside dishes like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, or lentil dal for an authentic Indian meal.
As a Wrap: Use naan as a base for wraps filled with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt sauce.
Pizza Style: Transform naan into a quick and easy pizza by adding your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings before baking it in the oven.
Sweet Treat: Spread a little Nutella, honey, or jam over warm naan for a simple dessert.
A Note on Sharing
One of the best things about making naan is sharing it with others. Fresh naan is a conversation starter at the table, sparking delight with its aroma and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet family meal, homemade naan is a way to bring people together over something delicious.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to enjoy the magic of fresh naan. Once you taste the difference, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 C warm water
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2.5 C bread flour, plus more for rolling
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 C whole fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Instructions
1 Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast and sugar with warm water. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes, until foam forms on top.
2 Mix the Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, yogurt, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Use the flat beater to mix until everything is almost incorporated, then switch to dough hook.
3 Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough with the dough hook for 10 minutes. It will be slightly sticky but should become smooth and elastic.
4 Proof the Dough:
Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough in it, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it prove for 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size. (You can also just put a towel over your mixing bowl and let it rise there. I like to put my oven on the proof setting if yours has it or place it outside in my car on a hot day)
5 Shape the Naan:
Dust a clean work surface with flour. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Dust each ball with flour, then roll it out into a circle shape.
6 Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to its lowest setting to keep the naan warm. Heat a large frying pan (non-stick or seasoned cast iron) over high heat until very hot.
7 Cook the Naan:
Place one naan in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it puffs up. Flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes, until golden patches appear. If you prefer darker spots, cook for a little longer. Be careful, as the pan may smoke if cooked for too long—wipe it out between batches if necessary.
8 Finish the Naan:
Once a naan is cooked, transfer it to a plate.. Brush the tops generously with butter. If your are making a lot for a crowd, place them on a baking tray and cover with foil.
10 Serve:
Stack the cooked naans on the tray, covering with foil each time to keep them warm and soft.
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