Indian Naan Bread Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
Indian Naan Bread Recipe
Description
The Indian Naan Bread Recipe includes all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, milk, plain Greek yogurt, sugar, ground cardamom, turmeric, and melted ghee or butter. The milk and yogurt are warmed to activate the yeast and provide moisture, while spices add subtle flavor and color. Mixing and kneading the dough yields a sticky but manageable consistency that becomes smooth and elastic with time.
After resting for about two hours, the dough is divided into 12 equal balls, which can be rolled and cooked on a hot surface or oven until puffed and browned. The finished naan has a soft crumb and tender bite, with hints of cardamom and turmeric that enhance its aroma and appearance.
This naan pairs well with Indian dishes like curries or as a base for wraps. It can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Reheating wrapped in foil in the oven restores softness and warmth.
Proper temperature for warming milk or rehydrating dough ingredients is important for yeast activation without killing it, recommended around 110°F (43°C). Gentle handling and adequate resting ensure good dough rise and flavor development.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp. instant yeast
- 1 1/4 c. milk
- 1/4 c. yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp. Turmeric ground
- 4 Tbsp. ghee melted, or butter
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a liquid measuring cup, whisk in the Greek yogurt, and heat in the microwave until warm to the touch (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, 43 degrees Celsius). Pour the warm milk into a large bowl or the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add the sugar, instant yeast, salt, cardamom, turmeric, and 2 1/2 cups of the flour.
- Mix well with a wooden spoon or the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. Continue adding flour gradually in small amounts, until a soft dough is formed that cleans the sides of the bowl (it will still be sticky). Knead the dough using the dough attachment on your stand mixer, or by hand until it is smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes in the mixer or 10 minutes by hand.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and let it rest at room temperature, covered lightly, for about 2 hours.
- After the dough has rested, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into 12 equal portions, rounding each into a ball shape. The dough will still be a little sticky, but you won't have too much trouble forming it into balls.
- Cover the pieces with a towel and let them rest for 30 minutes. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) and place a pizza stone or large cast-iron pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Once the dough has rested for a half-hour, one by one, roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches wide. Open up the oven and lay the circle of dough on the hot pizza stone. Spritz the top of the dough with a little water or vegetable oil. Close the oven and bake the naan for about 2-3 minutes, until it is lightly puffed and brown spots begin to appear on the bottom. Turn the naan using tongs and return to the oven for another 2 minutes or so.
- Remove the naan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or large plate. Brush lightly with Ghee or melted butter. Stack the hot naan on top of each other as it comes out of the oven to help keep the pieces warm.
Notes
- Store naan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it fresh.
- For longer storage, wrap naan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen naan, thaw at room temperature and warm wrapped in aluminum foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for soft, warm bread.
- Warm the milk and yogurt mixture to about 110°F (43°C) before combining with yeast to activate it without killing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 279 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 279kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 206mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 111mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 40IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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