Naan, the beloved leavened flatbread from South Asia, is a staple for scooping up curries, dips, and stews. But achieving that perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture and lightly browned exterior can sometimes feel like a mystery. Well, fret no more! This recipe unlocks the secret to fluffy naan, allowing you to enjoy this delicious bread in the comfort of your own home.
The key to this recipe lies in the combination of a well-developed dough and the magic of warm water. The warm water activates the yeast for a proper rise, while the kneading process creates a smooth and elastic dough that yields a light and fluffy naan.
This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires no fancy equipment. With minimal steps and readily available ingredients, you can be enjoying homemade naan in no time!
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (450g) OR bread flour (bread flour will give a chewier texture) plus more for dusting the counter
- 1 cup warm water (around 105°F / 40°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (15g)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast (6g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt (90g) or milk
- ¼ cup olive oil (60ml)
Cheese Filling:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you prefer like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
Butter Mix:
- ¼ cup melted butter (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy and active. This signifies that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven the dough.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture along with the plain yogurt or milk and olive oil. Using a spoon or dough whisk, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky at first, but continue kneading and adding flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for kneading.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, grate your preferred cheese or prepare your desired cheese blend.
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Shape the Naan: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough piece into a round or oval shape, about 1/8-inch thick.
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Fill and Fold (Optional): Evenly distribute some shredded cheese over half of each rolled-out dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the cheese to form a semi-circle. Press the edges together to seal, ensuring the cheese stays enclosed. You can skip this step for plain naan.
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Cook the Naan: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place a dough circle (cheese filling side down, if using) onto the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush the cooked naan with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley for extra flavor (optional).
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm naan immediately with your favorite curry dishes, dips, or enjoy them plain.
More Information:
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese fillings! You can try a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, or incorporate chopped fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large non-stick pan can be used for cooking the naan.
- Leftover naan can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped tightly and frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a pan or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This recipe is a fantastic way to create delicious and fluffy naan at home. With its simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this authentic flatbread.