Naan is an iconic flatbread that is a staple in many Indian cuisine. A soft, slightly chewy bread with a charred exterior, it's a must-have accompaniment to any curry or stew. With its distinct flavor and aroma, it's no wonder that naan has become a global favorite. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, there's a perfect naan recipe out there for you. From traditional methods using a tandoor to contemporary recipes with modern twists, you're sure to find a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of India.
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NAAN
If there's anything that will make you fall in love with Indian food, it's naan. This flatbread from the North of India is juxtaposition at its most beautiful: pillowy and elastic, with dark charred bubbles and a crispy bottom. It's usually made in a tandoor oven, a clay oven that can reach up to 900 degrees F! That's hard to replicate at home, but this stovetop version comes pretty darned close.
Provided by Aarti Sequeira
Time 3h30m
Yield 6 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large glass, dissolve the dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar with 3/4 cup warm water (about 100 degrees F). Let it sit on your counter until it's frothy, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sift the flour, salt, remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar and baking powder into a large, deep bowl.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add the yogurt and the olive oil into the glass, and stir to combine. Pour the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients and add the kalonji and fennel seeds, if using, and gently mix the ingredients together with a fork. When the dough is about to come together, use your hands to mix. It will feel like there isn't enough flour at first, but keep going until it transforms into a soft, slightly sticky and pliable dough. As soon as it comes together, stop kneading. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for 2 to 4 hours.
- When you're ready to roll, make sure you have two bowls on your counter: one with extra flour in it, and one with water. The dough will be extremely soft and sticky-this is good! Separate the dough into 6 equal portions and lightly roll each one in the bowl of extra flour to keep them from sticking to each other.
- Shape the naan. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a teardrop shape, narrower at the top than at the bottom. It should be 8 to 9-inches long, 4-inches wide at its widest point and about 1/4-inch thick. Once you've formed the general shape, you can also pick it up by one end and wiggle it; the dough's own weight will stretch it out a little. Repeat this method with the rest of the dough. (If you're making the gluten-free version, you'll have better luck pressing the dough out with your fingertips, than rolling.)
- Warm a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it's nearly smoking. Make sure you have a lid large enough to fit the skillet and have a bowl of melted butter at the ready.
- Dampen your hands in the bowl of water and pick up one of your naans, flip-flopping it from one hand to the other to lightly dampen it. Gently lay it in the skillet and set your timer for 1 minute. The dough should start to bubble.
- After about 1 minute, flip the naan. It should be blistered and somewhat blackened, don't worry - that's typical of traditional naan! Cover the skillet with the lid and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
- Remove the naan from the skillet, brush with a bit of butter and sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt. Place the naan in a tea towel-lined dish. Repeat with the rest of the naans and serve.
NAAN (INDIAN FLATBREAD)
In spite of its ancient origins and utter simplicity, the tandoor produces startlingly sophisticated results, including smoky flatbreads that puff like pillows, and roasted meats of uncommon succulence. But you can make naan just as easily in an oven.
Provided by Steven Raichlen
Categories project, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 8 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees). Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place 4 1/2 cups flour, the salt and baking powder in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade or in mixer with a dough hook. Mix to blend. Add yeast mixture, milk, yogurt, egg, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 3/4 cup warm water. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, 2 to 3 minutes in a processor, 5 to 8 minutes in a mixer, 8 to 10 minutes by hand. Dough should be soft but not too sticky. Add flour as needed.
- Place dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, then a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll them into balls, place them on a lightly floured baking sheet and cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled in size, 40 to 60 minutes.
- If using a tandoor, heat it to about 450 degrees. If using the oven, place a pizza stone on the bottom rack and heat oven to 450 degrees. If using a barbecue grill, set it up for direct grilling and heat to medium-high.
- Roll out a dough ball on a lightly floured work surface into a disk about 6 inches in diameter. Roll and stretch one end to make a teardrop shape. Brush off any excess flour. Repeat with remaining dough.
- If using a tandoor, drape one piece of dough over the round cloth pillow called a gadhi. Press the bread onto the hot clay wall. Cook the naan until the top is puffed, blistered and browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a skewer, gently pry the bread off the tandoor wall, taking care not to scratch the clay. Brush the top of the bread with ghee or melted butter, then place in a cloth-lined basket for serving. Repeat with remaining dough.
- If using an oven, turn on the broiler. Lay 1 or 2 pieces of dough on the pizza stone. Cook until the bottoms are browned and the tops blister, puff and are lightly toasted, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven, brush tops with ghee or melted butter, and place in a cloth-lined basket for serving. Repeat with remaining dough.
- If using the grill, brush and oil the grate. Lightly brush top of dough with butter and place butter-side down on grate a few at a time (do not crowd the grate). Grill until the bottoms are browned and the tops start to puff and blister, 1 to 2 minutes. Lightly brush the tops with a little butter. Invert bread, and grill the other side until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cloth-lined basket, brushing tops of each with any remaining butter.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 372, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 243 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
NAAN (INDIAN FLAT BREAD)
These are easy to make and taste just wonderful! Prep time does not include 2 hours that you will need to set the dough aside. I cook these one at a time which will add up to about 60-80 mins total for cooking time!
Provided by love4culinary
Categories Breads
Time 1h20m
Yield 6-8 Naan, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together into a nice sized bowl.
- Stir in the beaten egg, yogurt and 2 tablespoons of the butter/ghee.
- Gradually stir in enough milk to make a soft dough.
- Knead dough very well.
- Lightly grease bowl and cover the dough with a damp cloth and place in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 2 or 3 minutes until smooth.
- Divide into 8 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, and then into ovals about 6 to 8 inches long.
- Grease a baking sheet with oil and brush both the sides of the rolled out Naan with oil.
- Sprinkle one side with poppy seeds if you wish to use them.
- Place the Naan on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 6 to 10 minutes until puffy and lightly golden brown.
- The bread puffs slightly, and will lightly brown on the sides.
- You can enjoy these Naan's plain or with your favorite Indian dish, such as a curry dish!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401.9, Fat 9.3, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 54, Sodium 591.7, Carbohydrate 66.5, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 1, Protein 11.6
INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY II
"This is an adaptation of yellow chicken curry from India. The aromas and flavors are a delight to the senses! It is best served with fresh Naan bread and Jasmine or Basmati rice." From Allrecipes.com
Provided by Cheri 911
Categories Curries
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until lightly browned. Stir in garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, ginger, sugar and salt. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add chicken pieces, tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, and stir in lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 423.6, Fat 25.4, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 31.2, Sodium 107, Carbohydrate 40.2, Fiber 3, Sugar 33.6, Protein 11.6
Tips:
- When making the dough for naan, use warm water (105-115°F) to activate the yeast and help the dough rise. But not too hot water because it will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
- If you don't have a tandoor oven, you can cook naan in a hot skillet or on a griddle. Just make sure to preheat the pan or griddle to a high temperature before cooking the naan.
- Brush the naan with melted butter or ghee before serving to add flavor and prevent it from drying out.
- Naan can be served with a variety of toppings, such as butter, yogurt, chutney, or curry.
- If you're making naan ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze naan for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the naan at room temperature for 30 minutes, then brush it with melted butter or ghee and heat it in a hot skillet or on a griddle until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Naan is a delicious and versatile flatbread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, naan is sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your naan at home. So next time you're craving Indian food, try making your naan from scratch. You won't be disappointed!
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