Introduction
Naan is a delicious Indian bread that has gained popularity in several cuisines worldwide and is perfect for pairing with different dishes. It’s a versatile dish that can be made plain or with various flavors like garlic, butter, and cheese, and it’s relatively easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making naan: from the ingredients and tools required to the step-by-step process, variations, history, and alternatives.
Step-by-Step Guide
To make naan, you’d need a few ingredients and tools:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of active dry yeast
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- A rolling pin
- A baking sheet
Follow these steps to make naan:
- Start by mixing the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix the yogurt, milk, water, and vegetable oil.
- Combine both mixtures, stirring gradually until it forms into a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest for two hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F, and prepare your baking sheet by brushing it with vegetable oil.
- Gently knead the dough for a minute, divide it into six equal parts and roll them out into a teardrop shape (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Put the naan on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown, soft, and slightly charred.
- Brush the baked naan with melted butter or garlic butter (optional).
In case you don’t have an oven, you can still make naan using a stove. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the naan until it’s golden brown and bubbly on both sides.
Here is an accompanying picture guide to help you visualize the steps:
Recipe Variations
Naan is a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking, and here are some popular variations:
- Garlic Naan: To make garlic naan, add minced garlic when brushing the naan with butter before serving.
- Butter Naan: Brush the freshly baked naan with melted butter instead of garlic butter.
- Cheese Naan: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the naan before baking.
Here are two dip recipes that you can pair with your naan:
- Mango Chutney:
- 2 ripe mangoes
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
To make the chutney, combine all ingredients, except the mangoes, in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once it boils, reduce it to low heat and add the mangoes. Cook and stir occasionally for 20-30 minutes until it becomes thick and the mangoes are tender.
- Raita:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp cumin
To make the raita, peel and grate the cucumber. Then, in a bowl, mix all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Naan History
Naan originated in Persia, which is now known as Iran, and it spread to other countries in South and Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. It’s a staple in several cuisines, such as Indian, Pakistani, Afghan, and Iranian, where it’s served as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes like curries, kebabs, and stews.
Naan has a lot of cultural significance in these regions, and it’s often prepared during special occasions such as weddings and festivities. It’s also a popular street food sold by vendors who make it fresh on hot ovens or clay tandoors.
Pairings
Naan pairs well with a variety of dishes, but it’s particularly great with curries. Here are some curry and naan pairings to try:
- Butter Chicken
- Chana Masala
- Aloo Gobi
- Saag Paneer
When pairing naan with curries, it’s essential to choose the right type of naan. For example, garlic naan goes well with palak paneer, while plain naan is perfect for butter chicken.
Alternatives
If you can’t find naan or want to try something different, pita bread is an excellent substitute. Pita bread is a soft, flatbread that’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s made of flour, water, and yeast and resembles naan in texture and flavor.
However, the main difference between naan and pita bread is that pita bread doesn’t contain leavening agents, while naan contains yeast. This makes naan thicker and softer than pita bread.
Conclusion
Naan is a versatile and delicious bread that’s easy to make and customizable to your liking. We’ve covered everything you need to know about making naan, including the ingredients, tools, step-by-step guide, variations, history, pairings, and alternatives. Now it’s your turn to try making naan and exploring different recipes and pairings.