It’s hard to go wrong with naan bread. This versatile flatbread can be served as an appetizer, main course or side dish. And it goes well with just about any type of cuisine. So what to eat with naan bread? Check out these recipes and start enjoying naan bread like a pro.
What is Naan bread?
Naan is flat-like, yeast leavened, oven baked bread. It originates from Iran and Central Asia. It’s a very popular bread in India, where you’ll usually find a slightly thicker variation. Naan bread is an Indian flatbread typically cooked in a tandoor oven and traditionally made with white flour, yeast, yogurt, and ghee or butter. It can be served plain or topped with various ingredients such as garlic, onion, cheese, or spices. This soft and fluffy bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up curries or dipping into creamy dips.
Origins of Naan bread
Naan bread originated after yeast was brought to India from Egypt. During the Mughal era in 1520, naan was a delicacy reserved for nobles and royal families due to its intricate preparation process.
The nutritional benefits of eating Naan bread
Naan bread is a nutritional source of vitamins B1 and B3, iron, carbs, and protein. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, including a decent source of iron. Its nutrients make naan a beneficial addition to the diet.
What can I use naan bread for?
Naan bread can be used in a variety of dishes. It is perfect for dipping in sauces and curries, or topping with grilled vegetables and meats. You can also use it to make pizzas, sandwiches and wraps. Naan bread can even be cut into strips and fried to make crunchy chips or pakoras (Indian fritters).
Suggestions for what to eat with naan bread?
Naan bread is typically served with vegetable curries and gravies such as paneer butter masala, mushroom masala, lentils (dal), chutney, raita, pickles, and meat-based dishes like tandoori chicken tikka, kebabs, and beans. Recently, naan bread has been paired with a variety of different dishes to create more unique flavor combinations.
1. Tandoori chicken with mint chutney: Combine marinated tandoori chicken with a refreshing and tangy mint chutney spread on top of warm naan bread for a delicious meal.
2. Naan pizzas: Top naan bread with your favorite pizza toppings for a fun twist on the traditional dish.
3. Curry and rice: Serve naan bread alongside curry and rice for a complete Indian-inspired meal.
4. Hummus and vegetables: Use naan as a base for homemade hummus and top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion for a satisfying vegetarian option.
5. Keema naan: This Indian dish combines minced meat (such as lamb or beef) with spices and peas, served inside warm naan bread for a tasty handheld meal.
6. Naan tacos: Fill naan bread with your favorite Mexican fillings such as seasoned beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a tasty spin on tacos.
7. Pulled pork sandwiches: Use naan bread as the bun for pulled pork sandwiches, topped with coleslaw and BBQ sauce for added flavor.
8. Garlic butter naan: Brush naan bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a simple yet satisfying snack or side dish.
9. Cheese and herbs: Top naan bread with melted cheese, herbs, and red pepper flakes for an easy appetizer or light lunch option.
10. Dessert naan: Get creative with dessert by topping warm naan bread with Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey for a decadent treat.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, naan bread is sure to add delicious flavor to any meal. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new toppings or combinations.
Introduce naan bread as a popular Indian flatbread
– Mention traditional ingredients and cooking method
– Versatility as an appetizer, main course, or side dish
– Pairs well with a variety of cuisines
Naan Bread Recipe Ingredients
– Warm water: Heating to the right temperature is critical to the recipe.
– Yeast: This is what causes the bread to rise and gives it a fluffy texture.
– Sugar: To feed the yeast and add sweetness.
– Plain yogurt or milk: Adds richness, moisture, and helps with rising. Can use dairy-free alternatives as well.
– Salt: Enhances flavor.
– Flour: Typically white flour is used, but can also use whole wheat or a combination of both.
– Ghee or butter: For richness and added flavor. Can substitute with oil if desired.
– Optional toppings: Garlic, onion, spices, herbs, cheese.
Naan Bread Recipe Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar until the yeast has dissolved. Let sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add yogurt or milk, salt, and flour to the mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Grease the bowl with ghee or butter, place the dough back in, and cover with a damp towel. Let it sit in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until it has doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into rounds. Brush each round with ghee or butter and sprinkle with desired toppings.
5. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and cook the naan for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through. Serve warm.
6. Leftover naan bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place on a skillet or in the oven until warmed through.
Experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions to make the most out of this versatile flatbread.
Provide tips on how to make your own naan bread at home
– Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps it to become fluffy and soft.
– For extra flavor, brush the cooked naan with melted butter or ghee before serving.
– Use a heavy skillet to ensure the bread cooks evenly on both sides. A grill or griddle can also be used.
– To give the bread a traditional tandoori-style char, cook it over an open flame such as a barbecue or gas stovetop. Be careful not to burn it.
– Wrapping the naan bread in foil and heating in the oven is another easy way to reheat leftovers.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings or serving suggestions – the possibilities are endless. From savory toppings like garlic and herbs to sweet options like Nutella and fruit, naan bread is a delicious addition to any meal.
Tips for storing and reheating Naan bread
Naan bread is typically served with vegetable curries and gravies such as paneer butter masala, mushroom masala, lentils (dal), chutney, raita, pickles, and meat-based dishes like tandoori chicken tikka, kebabs, and beans. Recently, naan bread has been paired with a variety of different dishes to create more unique flavor combinations.
How to warm up naan bread?
Heat the oven to 350°F. Place naan on a grilling tray or baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with water. Bake for 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven when finished.
Conclusion: What to eat with naan bread?
Naan bread is a delicious and versatile flatbread that can easily be made at home with simple ingredients. Experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions to make the most out of this tasty dish.
FAQ: naan bread
What goes well with naan bread?
Naan bread is traditionally served with vegetable curries and gravies, as well as chutney, raita, pickles, and meat-based dishes such as tandoori chicken tikka and kebabs. In recent years, the range of accompaniments for naan bread has evolved.
How is naan bread traditionally eaten?
Naan bread is traditionally eaten with curry by wrapping the food in the bread and create a small cone. This method helps to avoid the overpowering taste of spices and curry.
What do you eat with plain naan?
Plain naan bread is traditionally served with vegetable curries, gravies such as paneer butter masala and mushroom masala, lentils (dal), chutney, raita, pickles, and meat-based dishes such as tandoori chicken tikka, kebabs, and beans. In recent times, the servings for plain naan have evolved.
Is naan healthier than rice?
Naan breads, which are made with whole wheat, have more fiber than white rice. Brown rice is a healthier grain choice than naan due to its higher fiber content and lower salt and calorie content.
Is naan healthier than bread?
Naan is more nutrient-dense than pita and white bread. It contains higher levels of carbs and sugar, but provides more protein and fiber. Naan can be considered a healthier alternative to other types of bread.
Is naan healthy to eat?
Naan is higher in nutrients than pita or white bread. It contains more carbs and sugars, but also has increased protein and fiber. Naan can be considered a healthy alternative to other breads.
Is naan bread healthy?
Naan is a more nutrient-dense option than pita or white bread. Naan has more carbs and sugars than some other alternatives, but it makes up for it with its protein and fiber content.
What to eat with garlic naan bread?
Naan bread goes best with aloo gobi, chicken curry, chicken tikka masala, chana masala, dal makhani, butter chicken, mutton curry, beef curry, chicken vindaloo, palak paneer, rogan josh, chicken korma, red lentil dahl, Bombay aloo and spicy roast chicken.
How to eat naan bread with curry?
Eating naan bread with curry is traditionally done by wrapping the food in the bread and making a small cone, which is filled with a small amount of curry. This technique avoids strong tastes of curry and spices on the tongue along with the bread.
Does naan bread have yeast?
Naan bread is traditionally made with yeast. Other raising agents, such as bicarbonate of soda and baking powder, can also be used for naan bread.
Is garlic naan bread healthy?
Garlic naan bread is a healthy alternative due to its higher protein and fiber content compared to white bread and pita. It may contain more carbohydrates and sugars, but it is still nutrient-dense.
Beatrice Payne is an editor for Earl’s Grocery, a sandwich restaurant with a focus on real food. She has worked in the publishing industry for many years and is passionate about helping businesses communicate their message effectively. Beatrice enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves exploring new restaurants.