Incredible naan breads Recipe

Incredible naan breads Recipe

This Incredible Naan Breads recipe is a soft and fluffy recipe, which is made with tangy yoghurt and rich ghee. It’s the perfect side dish for any curry, a classic, from-scratch recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make, ready in about 30 minutes, plus rising time.

Incredible naan breads Ingredients

A simple, classic list for authentic, restaurant-quality naan bread.

  • ½ x 7g sachet of dried yeast (about 1 tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon runny honey
  • 125ml lukewarm water
  • 250g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ½ tablespoon of sea salt
  • 3 heaped tablespoons low-fat natural yoghurt
  • 45g ghee or unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon nigella seeds

How To Make Incredible naan breads

A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully soft, chewy, and bubbly flatbreads.

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, honey, and lukewarm water. Set it aside for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble and become frothy.
  2. Make the Dough: In a small pan, gently melt the ghee. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and sea salt and make a well in the middle. Pour 1 tablespoon of the melted ghee, the yoghurt, and the frothy yeast mixture into the well.
  3. Combine and Knead: Use a fork to gradually bring the flour in from the sides until a rough, sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave it to prove in a warm, draught-free place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape and Cook: Once risen, “knock back” the dough by punching it down. Divide it into 6 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a teardrop or oval shape, about 1½cm thick.
  6. Cook and Finish: Heat a large, dry non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add a naan bread and cook for 5 to 6 minutes total, turning it halfway, until it is puffed up, cooked through, and has some nice charred spots. As each naan comes out of the pan, brush it with a little of the remaining melted ghee and sprinkle with a few nigella seeds and a pinch of salt. Keep them warm while you cook the rest.
Incredible naan breads Recipe
Incredible naan breads Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the fluffiest, softest naan bread every time.

  • How to get the perfect fluffy texture? The key is the yeasted dough and a very hot pan. The high heat cooks the outside quickly, causing the inside to steam and puff up, creating those signature large bubbles and a soft, fluffy interior.
  • Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, this dough is perfect for making ahead. After kneading, you can place the dough in a lightly oiled, covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. This slow fermentation will actually develop a deeper, more complex flavor. Just let it come to room temperature for about an hour before you shape and cook it.
  • What is ghee? Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, regular melted unsalted butter is a perfect substitute.
  • What are nigella seeds? Nigella seeds (also known as kalonji or black onion seeds) are small, black seeds with a slightly bitter, peppery, and onion-like flavor. They are a classic topping for naan bread.

What To Serve With Incredible naan breads

The perfect accompaniments for this versatile bread.

These soft, warm flatbreads are an essential part of an Indian-style meal. They are perfect for:

  • Scooping up a rich curry, like a Chicken Tikka Masala or a Lentil Daal
  • Serving with dips like raita, mango chutney, or a spicy pickle
  • Using as a wrap for tandoori chicken or kebabs
  • Simply enjoying on their own, hot and buttery

How To Store Incredible naan breads

These are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store them.

  • Best Eaten Fresh: These flatbreads are at their absolute best when they are warm, soft, and fresh from the pan.
  • Reheat: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To serve, sprinkle them with a tiny bit of water and reheat them for a minute in a hot dry pan, directly on a gas flame, or wrapped in foil in a hot oven to soften them up.

Incredible naan breads Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per naan.

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Fat: 10 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why is my dough so sticky?

A sticky dough is completely normal for naan and is actually a good thing! It means the flour is well-hydrated, which will lead to a softer, more pliable final product. Use a light dusting of flour on your hands and work surface to make it manageable, but avoid adding too much extra flour.

My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?

This is usually due to one of three things: your yeast was old or expired; the u0022lukewarmu0022 water was too hot (which kills the yeast) or too cold (which doesn’t activate it); or the spot you left it to prove in was too cold or draughty.

Can I make garlic naan?

Yes, easily! To make garlic naan, finely mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and mix it with the melted ghee. Brush this garlic-infused ghee over the hot naan as they come out of the pan. You can also sprinkle over some chopped fresh coriander (cilantro).

Try More Recipes:

Incredible naan breads Recipe

Course: Side DishCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

An easy, foolproof recipe for incredibly soft, fluffy, and chewy homemade naan breads, enriched with yoghurt and ghee and cooked to perfection in a simple frying pan.

Ingredients

  • ½ x 7g sachet of dried yeast (1 tsp)

  • 1 tsp runny honey

  • 125ml lukewarm water

  • 250g strong white bread flour

  • ½ tbsp sea salt

  • 3 heaped tbsp natural yoghurt

  • 45g ghee or unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp nigella seeds

Directions

  • Dough: Activate the yeast in the warm water with the honey for 5 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well and add 1 tbsp of the melted ghee, the yoghurt, and the yeast mixture. Combine to form a sticky dough.
  • Knead on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm, covered bowl for 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Shape: Knock back the risen dough and divide it into 6 balls. Roll each piece out into a thin teardrop or oval shape.
  • Cook: Heat a large, dry non-stick frying pan over a high heat.
  • Cook each naan for 5-6 minutes total, flipping halfway, until puffed up and golden with some charred spots.
  • Brush the hot naan with the remaining melted ghee and sprinkle with nigella seeds and a pinch of salt. Serve warm.

Notes

  • A very hot, dry pan is the secret to getting the naan to puff up and cook quickly, staying soft and chewy on the inside.
  • The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for a deeper flavor.
  • Don’t be afraid of a sticky dough; it will result in a better final texture. Use floured hands to manage it.
  • These are best eaten fresh and warm from the pan,

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