Naan (Indian Flat Bread)

love4culinary's Note:

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!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 6.0 Naan

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 6 tablespoons plain yogurt (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons ghee, melted
• 1 cup of luke warm milk (may use a little less, just add gradually until soft dough forms)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seed (optional)

Directions:

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together into a nice sized bowl.
2. Stir in the beaten egg, yogurt and 2 tablespoons of the butter/ghee.
3. Gradually stir in enough milk to make a soft dough.
4. Knead dough very well.
5. Lightly grease bowl and cover the dough with a damp cloth and place in a warm place for 2 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
7. Knead dough on a floured surface for 2 or 3 minutes until smooth.
8. Divide into 8 pieces.
9. Roll each piece into a ball, and then into ovals about 6 to 8 inches long.
10. Grease a baking sheet with oil and brush both the sides of the rolled out Naan with oil.
11. Sprinkle one side with poppy seeds if you wish to use them.
12. Place the Naan on a baking sheet.
13. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes until puffy and lightly golden brown.
14. The bread puffs slightly, and will lightly brown on the sides.
15. You can enjoy these Naan's plain or with your favorite Indian dish, such as a curry dish!

Reviews

[cinamongirl]

I have made these several times and they are fabulous for homemade donairs or even for flatbread pizzas. I have discovered that I prefer cooking the naan on a smoking hot cast iron grill pan rather than baking in the oven. This way you get it browned without making it too crispy. I also brush with a mixture of melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley & sea salt before grilling. Yum!

[Aroostook]

I just loved this bread! Letting it rest ready makes the difference. Didn't use the poppy seeds but will try them next time. Thanks for posting! =)

[Kosher Kook #2]

Excellent. I brushed with ghee, garlic, parsley, sea salt and pepper prior to baking on a pizza stone. As a visual twist you can add a small amount of turmeric to the ghee mixture. It comes out a beautiful golden color with browning in spots and on the edges. Also, I only baked six minutes on the hot stone flipping at 3 minutes. Your mileage may vary depending on your oven, Great with Indian or Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food. I would definitely not recommend baking too long or rolling too thin or you will wind up with savory crackers and not flat bread. Not quite the equal of my favorite Indian restaurant, but darn close for cooking at home.