Have you been searching for a delicious naan bread recipe? We’ve got you covered with not one, but two! Scroll to the end of this post to get our recipes for a vegan naan as well as non-vegan naan bread.
Naan bread is a staple in Indian cuisine and has gained immense popularity across the world. Its origins can be traced back to the 14th century when it was first introduced by the Persian Empire. However, the exact history and origin of naan bread are still somewhat debated.
Where did naan originate?
According to one theory, naan bread originated in the region that is now present-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. In these areas, bread was baked in tandoors, a type of clay oven that was traditionally used for baking bread. As the Persian Empire expanded its territory, the tradition of baking bread in tandoors spread to the Indian subcontinent, where it eventually evolved into naan bread.
Another theory suggests that naan bread was first introduced by the Mughal Empire during the 16th century. The Mughals were known for their elaborate feasts and the naan bread served at these feasts was known as naan-e-tunak. This type of naan was made with white flour and was typically stuffed with minced meat and spices.
Naan: A Staple Food
Regardless of its origins, naan bread has become a staple in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by millions of people across the world. It is typically made with a combination of flour, yeast, salt, and water, and is baked in a tandoor or on a griddle. Naan can be served plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as potatoes, cheese, or spinach. Naan is a great option to serve with baked chicken breasts as well.
Common types of naan bread:
- Plain Naan: This is the most common type of naan, made with plain flour, water, yeast, and salt. It is typically cooked in a tandoor oven, resulting in a fluffy and slightly charred texture.
- Garlic Naan: Garlic naan is made by adding garlic paste or minced garlic to the dough. It is typically brushed with butter or ghee and sprinkled with fresh garlic and herbs before being baked.
- Butter Naan: Butter naan is brushed with melted butter or ghee before being baked. This results in a rich and buttery flavor.
- Cheese Naan: Cheese naan is made by stuffing the dough. Grated cheese and herbs make a nice stuffing. It can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as paneer or mozzarella.
- Keema Naan: Keema naan is stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and spices before being baked. It is a popular type of naan in Northern India and Pakistan.
- Peshawari Naan: Peshawari naan is a sweet naan that is stuffed with a mixture of dried fruit and nuts, such as almonds and raisins. It is a popular type of naan in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.
- Roghani Naan: Roghani naan is a rich and flaky naan that is made with a mixture of all-purpose flour, butter, and milk. It is typically brushed with a mixture of butter and milk before being baked, resulting in a soft and buttery texture.
- Naan Khatai: Naan khatai is a type of sweet naan that is made with a mixture of flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom. It is typically baked until it is lightly golden and has a crumbly texture.
Vegan Naan Bread Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Extra flour for dusting
- Vegan butter for brushing (optional)
- Chopped garlic and fresh cilantro for topping optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the vegan yogurt and warm water until smooth. Add in the sugar and olive oil and stir to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
- After the dough has rested, preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and roll each portion into a flat, round shape, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Place the naan on the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the bread puffs up and develops brown spots. If desired, brush the cooked naan with vegan butter and top with chopped garlic and cilantro.
- Serve the naan warm and enjoy!
Notes
Naan Bread Recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the vegetable oil, warm milk, warm water, and plain yogurt to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a baking stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each portion into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Brush each naan with a little bit of water and place them on the hot baking stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the naan puffs up and develops golden brown spots.
- Remove the naan from the oven and brush them with a little bit of butter or ghee while they are still hot.
- Serve the naan warm and enjoy!
