Naan Bread a soft fluffy and perfect for pairing with your favorite curries or dips. Follow the step by step instructions to create this classic Indian bread that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Classic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- Butter or ghee for brushing (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1/ In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2/ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
3/ Add the frothy yeast mixture, yogurt, and oil (or ghee) to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a dough.
4/ Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5/ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
6/ Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
7/ Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
8/ On a floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into an oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
9/ Lightly brush one side of the rolled dough with water. This will help the naan stick to the skillet.
10/ Place the wet side of the naan on the preheated skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown.
11/ Flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
12/ If desired, brush the cooked with butter or ghee for added flavor and softness.
13/ Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.
14/ Garnish with chopped cilantro if you like.
Serving
Serve the freshly cooked warm with your favorite curries or dips.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Naan Bread
- Quality Flour: Use good quality all-purpose flour for the best texture and flavor in your naan.
- Yeast Activation: Ensure that your yeast is active by proofing it with warm milk and a bit of sugar. If it doesn’t froth, your yeast might be expired.
- Knead Well: Proper kneading develops gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest and rise in a warm place. This helps the gluten relax and gives the naan a fluffy texture.
- Skillet Temperature: Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to achieve those characteristic bubbles on the naan’s surface.
- Rolling Technique: Roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Too thin, and the bread might become crisp; too thick, and it won’t cook through.
- Brush with Water: Lightly brush one side of the rolled naan with water before placing it on the skillet. This helps the naan adhere and puff up.
- Bubble Formation: As the naan cooks, you’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface. This is a sign that it’s cooking properly.
- Even Cooking: Flip the bread when the bottom side is golden brown and bubbly. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
- Pressing Technique: If the naan puffs up too much while cooking, gently press down on the puffed areas with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Butter or Ghee: Brushing the cooked naan with butter or ghee adds a rich flavor and keeps them soft even as they cool.
- Variety: Get creative with toppings like minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or seeds (sesame, nigella, etc.) for extra flavor and texture.
- Keep Warm: To maintain their softness, wrap the cooked naan bread in a clean kitchen towel or foil until you’re ready to serve.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different variations like stuffed naan bread with cheese, herbs, or other fillings.
- Serve Fresh: Naan is best enjoyed fresh and warm, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Indian dishes.
Follow these tips to master the art of making perfect naan bread and elevate your Indian dining experience!
Nutrition Facts
Naan recipe is a popular Indian flatbread known for its soft and slightly chewy texture. Here’s an overview of the nutrition facts for a typical serving of Naan:
Serving Size: 1 piece of Naan bread (approximately 70-90 grams)
Calories
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-300 calories
Macronutrients
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Protein: Approximately 5-8 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1-2 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400 milligrams (varies based on seasoning)
- Potassium: Approximately 50-100 milligrams
- Calcium: Approximately 10-20 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 2-3 milligrams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific recipe, ingredients used, and the size of the Naan. Naan is typically made with a combination of all-purpose flour, yogurt, yeast, and sometimes ghee (clarified butter) or oil, which contributes to its calorie and fat content. The values listed here are for plain Naan bread without added toppings or fillings.
If you have a specific Naan bread recipe in mind or are using a particular product, it’s best to refer to the nutrition label if available or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Toppings or fillings like garlic butter or cheese can also significantly affect the nutrition content.
