Thursday 15 May 2014

Homemade Naan- Indian Flat Bread



Naan may be made in different flavors; garlic, spices, herbs or whatever you can think of. They can also be stuffed with vegetable or meat. Once you get the hang of making a basic Naan, you can try out all the possibilities out there. There are numerous ways to enjoy them. Naan wraps/rolls, Naan pizza and Naan-wich have become quite popular in the contemporary fusion cuisine. Make some and find your own way to love them! As in all cuisines, bread is an integral part of Indian cuisine. Naan, is a leavened oven baked flat bread, usually made in the northern regions of India, although it is known to be served in most Indian restaurants in the country and all over the world. Naan complements a main dish, but if you are like me, you can also eat it plain, indulgently patted over with ghee or butter.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour or 1/2 all-purpose and 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup hot water (but not boiling, just hot tap water)
• 3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1 cup greek yogurt
• melted butter for brushing (may use olive oil)
• fresh cilantro or other herbs for topping


• In a medium size bowl, or 4 cup glass measuring cup, dissolve the sugar in the warm water (about 105 degree F). Add the dry yeast to the warm water and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Let it sit for 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to froth and rise.
• When the yeast is foamy and smells like bread add the warm milk and yogurt. Pour the wet ingredients right into the middle of the dry and begin mixing the wet with dry using a wooden spatula. When the dough is about to come together, use your hands to finish mixing. As soon as it comes together, stop kneading. It should be sticky, but should form a ball and be soft. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place 1 hour or if not using right away overnight in the fridge.
• When ready to cook divide the dough into 8 equal balls and using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into an oval shape. It should be about 6-8 inches long and about 1/4-inch thick, but no thinner. Repeat this method with the rest of the dough.
• Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (you want a hot pan). Brush both sides of the naan with melted butter and if desired sprinkle on any spices you like such as cumin and garlic. Place the naan on the hot skillet, cover with a lid and bake for 1 minute, until you see bubbles starting to form. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side, until large toasted spots appear on the underside. Brush with a bit more butter if desired, then sprinkle with a little kosher salt, fresh cilantro (I used cilantro) or other herbs. Place the naan in a tea towel-lined dish. Repeat with the rest of the naans and serve. These are best eaten fresh, but will keep in a ziplock bag for a few days or in the freezer.

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9 comments:

  1. Perfectly made...... Looks tasty !

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  2. Nice presentation and inviting pictures...Personally I love north Indian delicacies...thanks for the recipes..keep in touch :-)

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  3. Very tempting!! looks professional just like the restaurant ones :)

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  4. tempting looking naan, love to try this.

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  5. Naan looks so tempting and it is perfectly made a Jaspinder. Love ur dishes.

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  6. Beautiful nan, I am looking for a very good recipe, yours sound perfect.

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  7. Perfect naans! We love them! And I love going through your recipes, Jaspinder.

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  8. My son's favorite & nice presentation...

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