Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos)

I really love homemade bread.

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

Well, actually my mom really loves homemade bread and I love to making her happy! I think I will always love making my mom happy, whether I am nineteen or fifty (oh my gosh, I cannot even imagine). It’s just something that makes me happy, so I guess it’s a win win!

Plus, I mean homemade Naan? Yeah, there is not much better. It’s stinkin amazing!

It’s so easy that I thought you guys would like seeing the process a little bit. The pictures are not awesome, but you’ll get the idea. So here we go!

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

Start by activating the yeast. Combine the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. It should smell bread like. Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.comAdd the flour, baking powder and baking soda to a large bowl. Then add the warm milk and yogurt to the yeast mixture. Pour the yeast into the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until dough starts to come together and then finish mixing the dough with your hands until a smooth but still sticky ball forms.

Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for one hour. Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.comAfter one hour punch the dough down and divide into eight equal balls. Using a rolling-pin, roll each piece of dough into an oval shape. The dough should be about 6-8 inches long and about 1/4-inch thick, but no thinner. Repeat this method with the rest of the dough.

Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (you want a hot pan). Brush both sides of the Naan with melted butter and if desired sprinkle on any spices you enjoy, such as cumin and garlic. I did not flavor my Naan, but only because one, I know my family is picky and two, I knew we would be eating the leftover Naans for breakfast and well I love garlic, I do not normally want it for breakfast!

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

Place the Naan on the hot skillet, cover and bake for 1 minute, until you see bubbles starting to form. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side until large toasted spots appear on the underside. Brush with a bit more butter if desired and sprinkle with a little kosher salt, fresh cilantro (loved the fresh cilantro naans) or other herbs. Place the Naan in a tea towel-lined dish. Repeat with the rest of the Naans.

Done!

Pretty easy, right?

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

And so good!

It is actually very similar to this pita bread, but maybe even better. I think it is the yogurt in the dough. It adds the best flavor and oh my gosh it is so soft and those giant air pockets? Yeah they are awesome!

Seriously,

I just can’t even get over these. There are no words.

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos)

  • prep time: 25 MINUTES
  • cook time: 2 MINUTES
  • total time: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES

yields: 8 Naans

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or 1/2 all-purpose and 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot water (but not boiling, just hot tap water)
  • 3/4 teaspoonactive dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup greek yogurt
  • melted butter for brushing (may use olive oil)
  • fresh cilantro or other herbs for topping

Instructions

In a medium size bowl, or 4 cup glass measuring cup, dissolve the sugar in the warm water (about 105 degree F). Add the dry yeast to the warm water and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Let it sit for 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to froth and rise.

Add the four, salt, baking soda and baking powder to a large mixing bowl.

When the yeast is foamy and smells like bread add the warm milk and yogurt. Pour the wet ingredients right into the middle of the dry and begin mixing the wet with dry using a wooden spatula. When the dough is about to come together, use your hands to finish mixing. As soon as it comes together, stop kneading. It should be sticky, but should form a ball and be soft. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place 1 hour or if not using right away overnight in the fridge.

When ready to cook divide the dough into 8 equal balls and using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into an oval shape. It should be about 6-8 inches long and about 1/4-inch thick, but no thinner. Repeat this method with the rest of the dough.

Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (you want a hot pan). Brush both sides of the naan with melted butter and if desired sprinkle on any spices you like such as cumin and garlic. Place the naan on the hot skillet, cover with a lid and bake for 1 minute, until you see bubbles starting to form. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side, until large toasted spots appear on the underside. Brush with a bit more butter if desired, then sprinkle with a little kosher salt, fresh cilantro (I used cilantro) or other herbs. Place the naan in a tea towel-lined dish. Repeat with the rest of the naans and serve. These are best eaten fresh, but will keep in a ziplock bag for a few days or in the freezer.

Homemade Naan (with step-by-step photos) | halfbakedharvest.com

Except expect yum!

From: halfbakedharvest

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