Fresh naan

30 minutes

Today we’re making fresh naan. You can really make me happy with a piece of fresh naan! It’s super delicious with curries, but it’s also great for making naan pizzas or simply as a tasty substitute for a slice of bread. I used to buy them at the supermarket all the time, but since my boyfriend is lactose intolerant, we’ve basically always been replacing naan with rice, because it contains yogurt, of course. Although rice goes great with curry, of course, I secretly still miss the naan. How hard can it be to make it yourself? Not hard at all, I can tell you, because it only has THREE ingredients. Spoiler: just replace the regular yogurt with plant-based yogurt, and voilà! Want to check out the recipe?

Why is it "naan" and not "naan bread"?

The term “naan” is often incorrectly expanded to “naan bread,” but in reality, the correct term is simply “naan.” The word “naan” comes from Persian and means “bread.” The use of the term “naan bread” is therefore redundant, since it already contains the word “bread,” which is unnecessary.

Naan is a traditional Asian flatbread that is particularly popular in India, Pakistan, and other countries in South Asia. It is often served as a side dish with curries, tandoori dishes, and other flavorful meals. The dough for naan is made with a combination of flour, water, yogurt, yeast, and sometimes milk, and is usually baked in a hot tandoor oven, which gives it a soft, airy texture and a slightly smoky flavor.

Since the term “naan” already refers to bread, using “naan bread” is redundant. In the original language, it’s simply “naan,” and this term is often used worldwide without the addition of “bread.” So the next time you order naan, feel free to just say “naan” without worrying about adding “bread”—it’s already included in the meaning!

Making Naan at Home

Making your own fresh naan is a wonderful way to bring the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine into your own kitchen. Naan is a traditional flatbread that’s often served with curries, tandoori dishes, or as a side dish at a festive meal. Making your own naan isn’t just fun—it also results in fresh, fragrant bread that you won’t find in stores.

The process of making your own naan is surprisingly simple, especially if you use the right techniques. You start by preparing the dough, which is usually a combination of flour, water, and a leavening agent. The dough needs to be kneaded well so that it becomes light and supple. After it has risen, you can divide the dough into small portions and roll them out into thin, oval shapes.

The secret to perfect naan lies in how it’s baked. Traditionally, naan is baked in a hot tandoor oven, but at home you can use a heavy skillet or oven. The result is a fluffy and slightly crispy bread with a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite Indian dishes. By making naan yourself, you can tailor the flavor exactly to your liking, and it’s a great way to explore South Asian cuisine!

What you need:

For the naan
200 gr self-rising flour
150 ml plant-based yogurt
1/2 tsp salt
For the herb oil
4 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
a small bunch of freshly chopped cilantro
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp ground coriander
6 pieces

What to do:

1

Finely chop the garlic and place it in a bowl along with the olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, and, if desired, the onion powder and cilantro powder. Stir well and set aside.

2

Mix the flour with the yogurt and salt. Knead with your hands until you have a nice dough. When you're done, divide the dough into 6 portions.

3

Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and rolling pin, and roll out the pieces of dough into naan shapes.

4

Brush both sides of the naan with the spiced oil.

5

Cook the naans in a skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Flip them as soon as bubbles start to form.

6

Enjoy and don't forget to share your dish in your Instastory with the tag @easyculi!