Naan is a popular Indian flatbread, often served with curries and stews. It’s soft, chewy, and has a slightly smoky flavor when cooked over high heat. Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), but you can easily make it at home on the stovetop using a pan. Here’s a simple recipe for Pan Naan:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tbsp butter (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or nigella seeds
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the yogurt and olive oil to the flour mixture, followed by the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Divide the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal-sized balls.
- Shape the Naan:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough into an oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick. You can make them thinner or thicker depending on your preference.
- Cook the Naan:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, place one piece of rolled dough into the pan.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- If you want a smoky flavor, you can use tongs to hold the naan over an open flame for a few seconds after cooking to char it slightly.
- Brush with Butter:
- Once cooked, remove the naan from the pan and brush it with melted butter.
- Optionally, sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite curry, stew, or as a delicious side to any meal.
Tips:
- Garlic Naan: For garlic naan, brush the naan with garlic butter right after cooking, or add minced garlic to the dough before rolling it out.
- Stuffed Naan: You can also stuff your naan with cheese, mashed potatoes, or other fillings for a fun variation.
Enjoy your homemade pan-cooked naan!