She Strengthens

The Art of Naan: A Flavorful Flatbread from the East

Naan, a traditional Indian and Pakistani flatbread, has its roots in Persian cuisine. This yeast-leavened, yogurt-enriched delight is typically baked in a clay tandoor oven, which imparts a unique flavor and texture. Since not everyone has access to a tandoor, we’ll explore two alternative cooking methods: cast-iron skillet and backyard grill.

The Difference is in the Cooking

The two cooking methods yield distinct results. Naan cooked in a cast-iron skillet turns out dense and chewy, with dark blisters, while the grill-striped BBQ naan is fluffy and crispy. Both variations are perfect accompaniments to northern-style Indian meals.

A Recipe Adapted from Madhur Jaffrey

Yield: 12 breads
Difficulty: Medium
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 7 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups plain full-fat yogurt
• 2 large eggs, lightly whisked

Preparing the Dough

Heat the milk in a medium saucepan until warm (105°F to 115°F). Add sugar and yeast; let it sit until frothy (about 15 minutes). In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add olive oil, yogurt, and eggs to the yeast mixture; stir to combine. Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

Shaping and Cooking the Naan

Punch down the risen dough and knead again. Divide into 12 equal balls. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each ball into a rough teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

Cast-Iron Skillet Method

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Place a piece of dough on the surface; it should start bubbling within 30 seconds. Cook until bubbles form all over the top (60 to 90 seconds). Flip and cook until done (30 to 60 seconds).

Grill Method

Turn the flames on your outdoor propane grill to high. Place the dough directly on the grates; within 1 minute, the top surface will begin to bubble. Grill until bubbles form all over the top, then flip, close the lid, and cook until done (about 1 minute).

With these simple steps, you can create delicious naan bread at home, perfect for accompanying your favorite Indian dishes.