Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
440 | 6g | 1g | 82g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
6g | 3g | 12g | 0.4g |
The Art of Balancing Traditions and Innovations
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a gourmet guru, it’s that cooking is an artful balance of holding onto traditions and embracing new ideas. One such is the Nigella Seed and Onion Naan. Although I am heavily influenced by my Italian-American background, this recipe is a delightful detour from my traditional wheelhouse. It introduces a unique taste to the familiar homemade bread, with its unique blend of spices – a touch of the Middle East.
Allow me to set the scene: a mélange of Nigella seeds, onions, a dash of sugar, and a blend of dry ingredients, all meshed up in perfect harmony, and cooked to a golden-brown finish… That’s the Nigella Seed and Onion Naan in all its glory.
Nutrition-Packed Recipe
This Indian-inspired delicacy is not only a burst of flavor; it’s also a nutritious delight. Each ingredient contributes to a well-balanced and healthful treat. Nigella seeds, for instance, are a great source of antioxidants, are high in fibre, and possess antibacterial properties. The yogurt used in this recipe provides a good dose of protein, making this bread an excellent source of energy. The onion acts as a wonderful source of Vitamins C and B-6, enhancing your immunity, and supporting overall wellbeing.
Perfect Pairings
While the Nigella Seed and Onion Naan is a delight to savor on its own, it works really well when paired with various dishes. My personal favorite accompaniment is a juicy homemade chicken curry. You might also want to try it with vegetarian alternatives like lentil stews or chickpea curries. This Naan would also be a unique and wholesome substitute for regular bread when creating sandwiches.
So, there you have it. A recipe that elegantly straddles the lines of tradition and innovation, packed full of flavor and health benefits that’ll surely keep you and your loved ones coming back for more. This Nigella Seed and Onion Naan is more than just a culinary delight, it’s a toast to the harmony that comes from embracing differences in a melting pot of cuisines.
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What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of nigella seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, plus extra for brushing
- Water as required
Method
Step One
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Then, add in the baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Carefully mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Two
Add nigella seeds and chopped onion into the mixture, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, yogurt, egg and vegetable oil. Stir until these are well incorporated to form a liquid mixture.
Step Four
Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the bowl containing the flour mixture, while mixing carefully to avoid forming lumps. Mix until a dough forms, it should be soft but not sticky. If the dough is too dry, add water little by little until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step Five
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Put the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for at least an hour to allow it to rise.
Step Six
After an hour, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion out into a thin, round shape, similar to a pancake.
Step Seven
Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Brush each side of the naan with vegetable oil and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step Eight
Once cooked, remove from the heat and serve your Nigella Seed and Onion Naan while warm, enjoying the delightful aromas and flavors that it has to offer.