Naan bread: how to make it with just 6 ingredients!

Naan bread is a popular staple in Indian cuisine. It’s a type of flatbread with a soft, chewy texture and subtle flavors. It makes a great side dish to any saucy stew or curry, or can simply be served with a dip. This recipe incorporates the delicious flavor of nutty sesame seeds and sesame oil, giving it a whole new dimension of flavor. To make it, you will need yeast, sugar, warm water, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and flour. Simply mix together a dough, press into a baking sheet, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Once baked until golden, the naan bread is ready to be enjoyed.

Tips

Instead of two large naan breads, you could make smaller ones. Simply divide the dough into 6 to 8 pieces, and press and flatten them into the baking sheet.

The yeast gives the naan its characteristic flavor. But if you don’t have yeast, you can use 1 tsp baking powder.

Make sure you greased the baking sheet properly to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface.

If you prefer, you can add grated cheddar cheese to the dough, or add grated cheese to the cooked naan, and place it under the grill for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

The dough should be smooth and not sticky. If you find that it is still too sticky, you’ll have to continue to knead it.

How to Store Naan Bread

Store the naan bread in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. You can also store the uncooked dough in the fridge for about 3 days. Alternatively, the dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

Can You Freeze Naan Bread

The dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze cooked naan. Allow the naan to cool completely, then transfer them to resealable Ziploc bags or an airtight container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you want to serve the Naan Breads, allow them to thaw and reheat in the microwave.

What To Serve With Naan Bread

Serve the Naan Bread with saucy stews, curries, soups, or your favorite dips (like hummus or baba ghanoush).

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Instructions

Put the yeast, sugar and a cup of warm water in the bowl. Stir and leave for 15 min.

Add salt and oil. Set aside.

In another clean mixing bowl, add the flour and the pre-prepared yeast mixture.

Add another cup of water, while kneading the dough.

Continue to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough in a greased bowl and set aside for one hour, or until doubles in size.

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead slightly.

Divide the dough in two and form into balls.

Prepare the flour and water sauce. In a pan over medium heat, cook the water and flour until slightly thickened.

Place the dough on a greased baking sheet.

Use the flour sauce to press the dough into the baking sheet.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, then bake in the oven at 200°C for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!