| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 6g | 2.5g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 7g | 0.4g |
About Naan
Among the mesmerizing world of breads, the pillowy softness of Naan inevitably stands out. This enchanting bread, best known for its graceful dance with Indian curry, is a treat that magically melts into the rich flavours of any dish it is paired with. The complexity of its existence is only rivalled by the simplicity of its composition – warm water, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, unsalted butter, plain yogurt, a large egg, canola oil, and optional additions of minced garlic and chopped cilantro.
The Intricate Art of Naan
The preparation of Naan stretches beyond mere mixing and baking; it is a delightful art, distinctly marked by its soft chewiness, slight tang from the yogurt, and a delicate aroma – best enhanced when brushed with some garlic-infused butter. The charm of Naan isn’t limited to its flavours but also lies in the customizable shapes and sizes it can adopt, each of which contribute to a unique eating experience.
The Versatile Player
As versatile as Naan is, it shares similarities with other bread variants like Pita, Tandoori Roti, and Chapati, all of which hail from the same family of ‘flatbreads. However, Naan’s unique combination of velvety softness, a touch of sourness from the yogurt, and the pleasing char from a high heat – usually from a traditional tandoor oven- sets it apart. To understand more about the world of flat breads, you can explore this excellent study published in the Journal of Sensory Studies.
Naan is often seen gracing the table sides of sumptuous Indian curries, stews and cooked meat. It is fantastic with lamb curry, or as a vessel for a delectable Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s most luxurious form, perhaps, is being turned into a Naan pizza- a delicious fusion where East meets West. However, underscored by its transformative powers, Naan can proudly pair with virtually any dish, transcending borders and cuisines.
In the vibrant tapestry of global cuisines, Naan is a true gem. Its versatility, accessibility, and welcoming appeal make it a prized possession in every food connoisseur’s kitchen – a testament to the wonders of simple ingredients and the magic that is the art of bread making.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- Canola oil, for brushing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy on the surface.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder together. Stir to mix well.
Step Three
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the melted unsalted butter, plain yogurt, and large egg to it. Stir to combine well.
Step Four
Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to add the flour until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step Five
Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six
Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll out each portion of dough into a thin oval shape.
Step Seven
Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Brush each piece of dough with canola oil and place it onto the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the naan is golden brown and cooked through.
Step Eight
If desired, brush the cooked naan with a mixture of minced garlic and chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your homemade naan!
