Delicious Homemade Naan Recipe
If youโre craving the soft, pillowy goodness of naan, this recipe will guide you through making it at home. Perfectly paired with curries or enjoyed on its own, naan is a versatile and popular flatbread from South Asia. This recipe will yield 8 servings of soft, airy naan, ideal for serving with your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 500g |
| Natural plain yogurt | 250g |
| Water | 100g |
| Fine salt | 7g |
| Fresh yeast | 2g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
Nutritional Information
Each serving of naan is a delightful balance of flavor and texture. Hereโs an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per piece:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170-190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by placing the flour in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and add the yogurt and fresh yeast. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate the yeast into the yogurt. Add the salt and mix again until combined.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and begin kneading. Add the water gradually, continuing to knead until you achieve a smooth, homogenous dough. This process should take around 8-10 minutes. If necessary, sprinkle in a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but aim for a soft, slightly tacky texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough has reached the right consistency, return it to the mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm place to rise for approximately 4 hours. The dough should double in size during this time, developing a light, airy texture.
Step 4: Portion and Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and gently stretch it by folding the edges toward the center, forming a round shape. Then, roll each piece into a smooth ball by rotating it between your palms.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the dough balls on a tray, ensuring they are not touching. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another hour. This second rise will give your naan its soft and fluffy texture.
Step 6: Shape the Naan
After the dough has rested, you can shape your naan. Itโs traditional to shape it into either a round or oval shape, but feel free to experiment with different forms as the shape doesnโt need to be perfect. Roll each ball out gently with a rolling pin, ensuring the naan is neither too thick nor too thin.
Step 7: Cook the Naan
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the naan in the pan. Cook for about 1 minute on one side, or until you see bubbles forming. Flip the naan and cook for another minute on the other side, pressing lightly with your fingers to ensure it cooks evenly. The naan should have golden brown spots on both sides.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the naan from the pan and serve it hot. Itโs perfect on its own or paired with curry, dips, or grilled meats. For an extra touch, brush the naan with a little melted butter or ghee before serving.
Tips for Perfect Naan:
- Resting Time: Donโt skip the resting times. Allowing the dough to rise for at least 4 hours gives the naan its signature soft texture.
- Cook on High Heat: Ensure your pan is hot enough. Naan cooks quickly, so a high heat helps achieve those signature bubbles and brown spots.
- Rolling the Naan: When rolling the dough, donโt overdo it. Just a gentle press is all you need for a soft, chewy naan.
Enjoy this recipe as part of a delicious meal, and watch as your family and friends rave about your homemade naan!
