Description
Savor the authentic warmth of homemade Naan Bread, a pillowy flatbread straight from Indian kitchens. Golden-edged and perfectly charred, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will transport your senses to the bustling streets of Delhi.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Bread Base:
- 1 3/4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
Liquids and Binding Agents:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons milk (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons whisked egg (approx. 1/2 an egg)
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted ghee or unsalted butter
- Additional melted ghee or butter for brushing
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 small garlic clove (for garlic butter)
- Nigella seeds
- Chopped coriander/cilantro
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with tepid water and sugar in a vessel. Allow the mixture to rest, covered, for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Whisk the dairy liquid and egg together in a separate container until thoroughly combined.
- Sift flour and salt into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a central depression. Pour the activated yeast mixture, whisked egg, and milk into the well.
- Gently incorporate the ingredients using a spatula until a shaggy dough formation emerges. Use hands to consolidate the dough into a cohesive ball without extensive kneading.
- Shield the dough with plastic wrap and position in a warm environment. Allow fermentation for 1-1.5 hours until the volume doubles.
- Divide the risen dough into 6 uniform segments. Shape each portion into a smooth sphere and permit a secondary rise for 15 minutes.
- On a flour-dusted surface, roll each dough ball into a thin oval approximately 3-4 mm thick, creating a circular shape around 16 cm wide.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature until it emits a slight smoke. Cook each naan for 1-1.5 minutes, watching for golden bubbles to form on the underside.
- Flip the naan and cook the opposite side for 45-60 seconds until evenly golden and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and immediately brush with melted ghee. Optionally garnish with nigella seeds or freshly chopped cilantro for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Activate yeast perfectly by ensuring water temperature is between 100-110°F, which helps create the ideal rising environment for soft, fluffy naan.
- Customize dough consistency by adding yogurt or buttermilk for extra tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the bread’s richness.
- Experiment with alternative flour options like whole wheat or gluten-free blends to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the authentic naan texture.
- Control cooking temperature carefully with cast-iron skillet to achieve those signature charred bubbles and prevent burning, which can make naan tough and dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg