Naan, a type of Indian bread, is a staple in various cuisines, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This delightful flatbread is prepared using all-purpose flour, water, yeast or sourdough culture, and in some recipes, yogurt, milk, and butter are added for taste and texture. It is conventionally cooked in a tandoor or clay oven, which renders a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.Naan bread provides an irresistibly delicious accompaniment to many delectable dishes, predominantly Indian curries, kebabs, and stews. It is often consumed by tearing small pieces using hands and then dipping into the flavorful sauces of these dishes. As naan has gained global popularity, various renditions showcase variations like stuffed naan, garlic naan, and other flavored creations, thereby adding diversity to its consumption.
FAQs
Is naan healthy or unhealthy? ›
While naan is relatively low in fiber, it offers a fair amount of protein. Your body needs this nutrient to maintain healthy functioning of your organs (5). Moreover, naan provides some essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins B1 and B3. It's even a decent source of iron ( 2 , 8 ).
What is naan made of? ›My favorite homemade naan recipe is made with basic bread ingredients (flour, water and yeast) plus a generous dollop of yogurt, egg and baking powder to make the bread extra soft and chewy. I also prefer to use touch of honey as a natural sweetener for the bread.
What is naan vs pita? ›Naan bread is soft, fluffy, and chewy, whereas pita bread is denser with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. Naan bread also has a buttery flavor due to the ghee and buttermilk in the dough, which adds an extra dimension of flavor compared to pita bread's more neutral taste.
What are the disadvantages of eating naan? ›Naan is usually made from Maida ( whitest form of flour) which is not quite good for health. On the daily basis, if consumed, it can give rise to many stomach disorders like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. It can kill your appetite giving rise to many undesirable health issues.
Can I eat naan during weight loss? ›Every food, including pita bread and naan, can have a place in a healthy diet when trying to lose weight, as long as they're enjoyed in moderation.
Why does naan taste so good? ›Naan is made from the basic ingredients of wheat flour, water/milk, salt and yeast. It is shaped in artisan production, mostly by hand. The secret to the special taste is a combination of the baking process in the traditional tandoori oven and the addition of Indian yoghurt, which makes the dough light and loose.
Do you eat naan by itself? ›Perfect on its own – buttery, fluffy, with a hint of smokiness – consider serving it by itself on its own plate as a complementary side to other dishes, as a warm-up to the main course, or tear it up into a few pieces for dips, soups and more.
Who eats naan bread? ›Naan is found in the cuisines mainly of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Caribbean. Primarily composed of white or wheat flour combined with a leavening agent, typically yeast, naan dough develops air pockets that contribute to its fluffy and soft texture.
Can you eat naan with hummus? ›Assemble the naan by spreading two tablespoons of hummus over a piece of naan. Top with a couple large dollops of the tzatziki, followed by two fried eggs. Drizzle the hot sauce over the top then garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of the Everything Bagel seasoning. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Why is it called naan? ›The word naan comes from the Persian nân-e sangak, meaning “bread baked on [hot] pebbles.” In 1300 ce, Indian poet Amīr Khosrow documented two kinds of naan: naan-e-tunuk (light or thin bread) and naan-e-tanuri (bread cooked in a tandoor oven).
Can you open naan bread? ›
Very gently open the naan by running a knife along one edge, between the layers. Naan usually has one layer that is thicker than the other, so try not to rip the thin layer. If some breaking occurs, that's okay—the filling should stay in and the cheese will act as a glue, sealing up the bread as it cooks.
Do you eat naan with your hands? ›When eating bread, small portions (roti, naan) are folded into a small pocket to scoop the desired amount of curry. Most food is prepared to be bite-sized, but when large items such as a chicken leg are served, it is acceptable to eat with one's hands.
Is naan eaten hot or cold? ›In my opinion, naan tastes best when it's warm – the warmth really brings out the buttery flavour and soft texture that makes it an amazing meal or an addition to other dishes.
Can you eat naan bread straight from the packet? ›Yes, they are safe. The reason why warming up is recommended is simply taste and texture: When cool, they are more rigid, dry and crumbly, warmed up they become soft and more pleasant to eat. So if you are just hungry, start nibbling.
Is naan bread good for gut health? ›Naan made from whole grain, sourdough, rye, or other grain alternatives is richer in dietary fiber than those made with enriched flour or refined grains. Fiber helps to maintain bowel health and regulates bowel movements.
Which is the healthiest Indian bread? ›From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha).
What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” or “whole meal” on the label. If a loaf contains 6 grams of fiber per 100 g, it's rich in fiber. Choose breads with plenty of intact grains, like oats, barley, and quinoa, as well as seeds, if you can eat these. Watch out for mass-produced sourdough breads.
What is the healthier option for naan? ›Whole wheat flour. I replaced a portion of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make the naan healthier and little less of a guilty-pleasure. It can be enjoyed more frequently than the indulgent pure all-purpose flour version.