Simple Naan Bread (Saada Naan)
Naan is a leavened flatbread, traditionally baked in clay oven called a tandoor, and probably the most widely known Indian bread in this country. It can easily be made in a skillet at home.
Serves: 8Hands-on: 40 minutesTotal: 2 hours 40 minutesDifficulty: Medium
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 1⁄4 cup warm water
- 1⁄2 tsp. sugar
- 1 1⁄4 tsp. salt, divided
- 1 tsp. dried active yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1⁄2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1⁄4 cup warm whole milk
- 5 Tbsp. melted clarified butter
Directions
- Dissolve the sugar and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt in warm water and add the yeast. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to foam.
- Place the flour, remaining salt, and baking powder in a large shallow bowl; mix well.
- Add the egg and yogurt and begin to knead. Begin adding the yeast mixture and the warm milk and continue kneading until you have a soft dough. If you need more liquid, add a few tablespoons of warm water. Knead for at least 10 minutes or until you have a soft dough that is not sticky.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place in a warm place for 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in volume
- Adjust the racks in the oven so that the top rack is 5 inches away from the top element. Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly grease a large, heavy baking sheet or cast-iron griddle and set aside.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface and rolling pin with flour. Knead the dough again on the floured surface for about 5 minutes. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it with your hands. Roll it out into an oval shape about 6 to 7 inches long. Using your hands, pull at both ends of the oval to stretch it a little. Continue until you have made 8 naans.
- Brush each oval with the butter. Place the naans on the baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 3 minutes or until golden brown. (Depending on the size of your baking tray, you may have to do the naans in 2 batches.) Serve warm.