Naan

Naan is a type of flatbread that is very popular in India and originates from Southeast and Central Asia. Though the bread can be unleavened, the Indian version typically contains a leavening agent as well as wheat flour and milk or yogurt to add softness to the bread. The traditional version of the bread is cooked in a tandoor oven by sticking the dough to the walls of the oven, but you can make do with a hot pan instead.

This tenderly soft comfort food will surely highlight any meal and is easier to make than you might think. Start by mixing all the dry ingredients in a bowl before adding water, yogurt, and oil. Once you have gathered the dough, let it sit covered for about 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal-sized portions and bring each portion into shape. Bake the bread on each side in a dry pan and serve freshly baked and still warm.

Flatbread from India is a popular and beloved bread around the world. While some may be inclined to call it naan bread, this term is somewhat redundant as the word actually means bread and is derived from the Persian word nān. It is worth noting that there are different variations of this bread which differ depending on the ingredients and the region it is from.

Add some extra flavor to your bread with a buttery garlic topping. It is an easy and simple way to improve the bread with only 3 ingredients. Make the regular naan and mix parsley, garlic, and melted butter. Brush the freshly baked bread with garlic butter. This gives it a fresh and flavorful garlic aroma and a sweet buttery flavor.

You can easily freeze naan with a few simple steps. It is essential that you allow the bread to cool after baking it. Flash-freeze the bread in the freezer on a baking tray. Make sure that none of the bread is touching when placing them on the tray. Remove the tray from the freezer after a couple of hours, put the bread into individual freezer bags, or wrap them in cling film and foil before placing them in the freezer again. This will prevent freezer burn, and they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Depending on how you store it, homemade naan can last from a few days up to a couple of months and still maintain its soft texture and fresh taste. You do not have to refrigerate it; it can sit at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days when placed in an airtight container or bag. If you store it in the freezer, the bread will have a shelf life of 2-3 months.

You can use different methods to heat naan. The microwave is the best option if you want to reheat the bread quickly. Place the bread on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with water and cover with towel paper before microwaving at medium to high heat in 30-second intervals until the bread is done. Adding water is essential in the reheating process as this ensures that the bread does not lose any moisture. If you use an oven, sprinkle a little water over the bread and place it in a preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes. Do not leave it in longer than necessary, or your bread will come out dry and crisp. Alternatively, you can use a pan set to medium heat and add a little butter or oil to grease the pan. Place the bread in the pan and heat it on each side for 30-60 seconds until it is fully warmed. Be sure to keep an eye on the bread, so it does not burn.