Delicious Homemade Naan Dough with Yeast Recipe

Are you a fan of Indian cuisine? If so, you must have tasted the soft and fluffy goodness of naan bread. Making naan dough from scratch could seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process that rewards you with irresistibly fresh and authentic flavors. Let’s dive into the world of homemade naan with this simple recipe!

• Number of Diners: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated Preparation Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons ghee or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, yogurt, and ghee.
3. Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes.
6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Roll out each ball into an oval shape and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots appear.
7. Brush with butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Benefits of Making Naan Dough with Yeast

By making naan dough with yeast at home, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beloved Indian flatbread from scratch. Not only does it result in fresh and flavorful naan, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Recommendations and Advice

If you prefer a garlicky flavor, you can add minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle it on top of the cooked naan. Additionally, experimenting with different flour types such as whole wheat or adding spices like cumin seeds can bring exciting variations to your homemade naan.

Curiosities about Naan Dough

Did you know that naan bread is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, which is a clay oven? The high heat and quick cooking process produce the characteristic bubbly and slightly charred exterior of naan. While replicating the tandoor environment at home is challenging, achieving similar delicious results is possible with a skillet or griddle.