Are you a fan of Indian cuisine? If yes, then you must have heard about naan - a staple flatbread that is loved and relished by people across the world. Naan is a soft and fluffy bread that is typically served with curries, kebabs or tandoori dishes. It is a versatile bread that can be made in various flavours and with different types of fillings. In this blog, we will provide an overview of naan recipe, its ingredients, and the step-by-step process to make delicious naan bread at home.
Overview of Naan Recipe
Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread that is made with all-purpose flour, yeast, milk, and butter. It is a bread that is cooked in a tandoor or oven and is popularly eaten with Indian dishes. Naan is an easy recipe to follow and can be made quickly at home.
What is Naan?
Naan is a popular Indian bread that is eaten with a variety of dishes. It is a leavened bread that is made with flour, yeast and milk. The bread is soft, fluffy, and has a slightly chewy texture. Naan is typically cooked in a tandoor or oven and is brushed with butter or ghee to give it a rich flavour.
Ingredients required to make naan
To make naan, you will need the following ingredients:
● 2 cups all-purpose flour
● 1 tsp yeast
● 1 tsp sugar
● 1/4 cup warm milk
● 1/4 cup plain yogurt
● 1/4 cup water
● 1/4 tsp salt
● 2 tbsp melted butter
Two Ways to Make Dough
There are two ways to make Naan dough - with or without yeast. The first method involves using yeast to leaven the dough, while the second method uses baking powder instead of yeast to make the dough rise.
1. Making naan dough with yeast
● In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set it aside for 5 minutes.
● In another bowl, combine flour, salt and melted butter. Mix well.
● Add the yeast mixture and yogurt to the dry ingredients and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
● Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours until it doubles in size.
2. Making naan dough without yeast
● In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
● Add plain yogurt and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix well.
● Slowly add water and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
● Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
Rolling Naan: Once the dough has risen, divide it into small portions and roll them into thin, circular shapes. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten the dough.
Toasting Naan: To toast the naan, preheat a tawa or a cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Place the rolled naan on the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to appear on the surface. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it is lightly browned on both sides. Brush the naan with butter or ghee for a rich and delicious flavour.
Troubleshooting recurring problems while making naan: If you face any recurring problems while making naan, such as hard or chewy naan, it could be due to undercooked or overcooked naan. To avoid this, make sure that the dough has risen.
Rolling Naan: Once the dough has risen, you can start rolling it into flat circles. Dust some flour on a clean surface and roll the dough using a rolling pin. Make sure the naan is not too thick or too thin; it should be about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a cookie cutter or a lid to cut the naan into round shapes. Do this for all the dough portions.
Toasting Naan: Toasting naan is a crucial part of the recipe. The naan should be cooked in a tandoor or oven until it is slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can use a skillet or a tawa if you don't have an oven. Heat the skillet or tawa on medium-high heat, brush the naan with some ghee or butter and place it on the skillet or tawa. Cook for a few seconds on each side until it turns slightly brown.
Troubleshooting of Recurring Problems: If you're having trouble making naan, don't worry, it's common. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
● If the naan is hard, add some more water to the dough.
● If the naan is not rising, make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is kept in a warm place.
● If the naan is not getting crispy, try adding more ghee or butter while toasting it.
Expert Tips
● Always use fresh yeast for better results.
● Knead the dough well to get a soft and fluffy naan.
● The temperature of the oven or tandoor should be at least 500°F for best results.
Conclusion
Making naan is not as difficult as it seems. With a few simple steps, you can make delicious and fresh naan bread at home. Follow the recipe and tips mentioned above to make the best naan bread. You can serve it with any curry or dip, or simply enjoy it on its own.
FAQs
Can I make naan without yeast?
Yes, you can make naan without yeast. Check out the reference link provided for a recipe.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour.
Can I freeze naan?
Yes, you can freeze naan. Wrap it in a plastic bag or foil and freeze it for up to a month.
How many calories are in naan bread?
Naan bread contains about 350-400 calories per piece, depending on the size.