- STEP 1
Put 125ml warm water into a bowl and sprinkle over the yeast and 1 tsp of the sugar. Leave for 10-15 mins or until frothy. In a larger bowl, put the flour, remaining sugar, ½ tsp salt and baking powder. Mix together then make a well in the centre in which to pour the melted butter, yogurt, nigella seeds and yeast mixture. Stir well, then start to bring the mixture together with your hands. If it’s very wet add a spoonful of flour but if it’s dry add a splash more warm water. It should be a very soft dough but not so wet that it won’t come together into a ball.
- STEP 2
When you’re happy with the consistency, start kneading, first in the bowl, then transfer the mixture onto a well-floured surface and continue to knead for 10 mins or until smooth and elastic but still soft. Butter a large bowl, then shape the dough into a ball and place in the prepared bowl. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hr or until doubled in size.
- STEP 3
Divide the dough into six balls and put them on a baking tray dusted with flour, then cover the tray with a damp tea towel. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Take one of the balls of dough and roll it out to form a teardrop shape that’s approximately 21cm long and around 13cm at the widest part. When the pan is very hot, carefully lay the naan bread into it. Let it dry fry and puff up for about 3 mins, then turn over and cook on the other side for another 3-4 mins or until cooked through and charred in patches.
- STEP 4
Heat the oven to its lowest setting and put the cooked naan bread on a baking sheet. Brush with a little melted butter and cover with foil. Keep warm in the oven and layer up the cooked naans one on top of each other as you make them, brushing each one with melted butter or ghee as you go. Serve warm with curry or dips.
FAQs
Is naan bread healthier than regular bread? ›
Which is healthier: bread or naan? Naan is a flatbread, whereas bread comes in loaves. Naan is higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates than loaf bread. The higher protein content of naan will allow you to feel fuller for longer and curve cravings.
What is special about naan bread? ›Naan is a single-layer bread with a light and slightly fluffy texture and golden-brown spots from the baking process. It is made primarily from white flour or wheat flour and a leavening agent (usually yeast), which results in the formation of air pockets in the dough that impart fluffiness and softness.
What is the difference between naan and pita bread? ›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 do you eat with naan bread? ›One of the most popular Indian delicacies that we know of; curries are creamy with the right amount of spicy, curries pair perfectly with warm, fluffy naan. Naan bread also serves as the perfect companion to soups and stews, absorbing their rich flavors and adding a delightful textural contrast.
Can I eat naan during weight loss? ›You can include naan as a part of a balanced diet when you eat it in moderation. Opt for whole wheat naan if you're looking to maximize your health benefits, and try to serve it alongside other nutritious foods. Of course, consider the full scope of your diet.
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.
Why is naan unhealthy? ›Skip: Naan
And like those fluffy spuds, this soft flatbread has little nutritional value. Most naan recipes call for Greek yogurt to give it that airy texture. But that's more than offset by less healthy ingredients like white flour, sugar, and oil.
The toaster can be used to reheat your naan bread but it's not the best method to do so. The naan gets really dry and there's no way that you can add water to the naan before toasting. That said, it's really quick and a decent option when a toaster is all you have to reheat the bread.
Does naan go with hummus? ›HEAT naan breads according to package instructions or use at room temperature if desired. SPREAD ½ cup hummus on each naan bread. PLACE ½ of the shredded cheese, sliced tomatoes, onions and arugula on each naan.
Is naan high in gluten? ›Naan is traditionally made with all-purpose (wheat) flour, which is not gluten-free. But the gluten provides a stretchy element that can be tricky to replicate with gluten-free alternatives.
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.
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.
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 best bread to eat for weight loss? ›Yes, whole grain bread is very good for weight loss. Eating whole grains have been shown to help eliminate more belly fat when compared to eating refined grains. Whole grain bread contains fiber, which may also help keep you full for longer, making it easier to eat less overall and help lose weight.
Is naan bread full of carbs? ›Naan Bread (1 piece) contains 45.4g total carbs, 43.4g net carbs, 5.1g fat, 8.7g protein, and 262 calories.