Friday, April 1, 2011

Homemade Naan Bread


Happy Friday everyone!  This particular Friday is a very special one.  Not only is it April's Fools (don't worry, I'm not going to try any trickery on you guys!), but as of 8:30pm tonight, I'm officially on vacation! 


It's definitely more of a "stay"-cation, but hey, I won't have to work for a full 11 days.  So it's going to be amazing.


What will I be doing? 


SPRING CLEANING.  There's so much I want to throw out and do over, it's not even funny.  Will I get to it all done in one week?  Umm... no.  I highly doubt it.  I'll probably only get through 3, maybe 4 rooms out of the house, but hey, it's a start.

Anyway, let's get on with some naan!

Ingredients:
Adapted from Food for my Family's recipe



3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 cups flour, plus more if needed
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch baking powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 & 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
cornmeal, for dusting
unsalted butter, optional

In a small bowl, add the water and sprinkle yeast over top.  Allow to sit for about 10 minutes until foamy. 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.  Mix in olive oil and sour cream until mixture is crumbly.  Slowly stir in the yeast and water mixture until a ball of dough forms.  My mixture was still a tad wet, so I added maybe 1/2 to 1 cup extra flour to get a desired consistency.

Knead dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.  Place the dough ball in a clean and greased bowl.  Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 500F with a baking stone or an upside-down rimmed baking sheet (i don't have a baking stone, so this is the method I used). 

Flip dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple minutes.  Divide dough into about 5-6 equally sized balls.  Dip each ball into flour and roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Dust preheated baking stone or baking sheet with a light layer of cornmeal.  Wet hands and gently wet each piece of dough before placing them on hot baking stone or sheet (I did batches of 3).

Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until tops are starting to brown and get bubbly.

Transfer each piece of naan to a plate and top with a pat of unsalted butter.


This was my first attempt at making naan and I must say that it couldn't have been easier!  Or more delicious!  I had a 1/2 piece of naan with each of my dinners this week, and it was the perfect accompaniment to my curried lentil soup I had the other night!  It's even great by itself!

How about you guys... have you ever made naan at home? 

Have a great weekend guys!  I'll see you next week for some goodies (and maybe some before and after pictures of the rooms I clean out!)

41 comments:

  1. I have always wanted to make naan and you have increased my desire... Looks so yummy and inviting... A perfect accompaniment to any side dishes...

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  2. The Naan bread looks perfect!!

    Have fun on you "stay-cay" and don't clean the entire time... take a break! :)

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  3. Wow this looks so yummy! Nope, I never made homemade naan. Therefore, I have to email me this recipe. ;-) Thanks for sharing!

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  4. I've never made naan, but you make it look so easy! Enjoy your stay-cation, and make sure you dedicate at least one day to sleep and re-runs.

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  5. Home made naan bread looks delicious, you done perfect job.it will be great to have with creamy rich curry.

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  6. It turns perfect! Have a great vacation too...

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  7. Naan looks soft and delicious...yumm...

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  8. Hi Peggy,
    i really loved this Naan bread! It looks delicious, and instantly imagine some curry on it! I will make a note and try some time soon :)

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  9. I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Your naan looks perfect.

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  10. Have fun on your "stay"cation! I'll bet this naan bread will give you some good energy for spring cleaning. :)

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  11. Happy Friday.
    Have a fun spring cleaning ♥

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  12. The naans are looking so good Peggy, great for weekend brunch... !

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  13. Wonderful bread, looks so inviting and delicious! Have a happy relaxing vacation :)

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  14. Thanks for posting this recipe! I love naan, but I'm too far from the Indian stores to get authentic naan easily. Great post! Enjoy your vacation!

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  15. these look soft and delicious naan looks wonderful

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  16. That looks totally professional! I am a huge naan fan. I just want to grab a chunk of that and dip it in some curry :)

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  17. Totally bookmarked this! I've never made bread!!! =) naan is one of my favs! esp with GARLIC!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  18. I have yet to venture into the realm of making naan, but you make it sound easy enough that I will have to try soon! This looks delicious!

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  19. I love this bread (and lentils) but I've never made at home...thanks for sharing!

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  20. the naans have turned out swell and have a happy vacation (including the cleang-hope it's fun !)

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  21. Happy vacation girl! I hope you do something fun, other than cleaning, in the next 11 days! And eat lots of delicious food. That's a must.

    This naan looks fantastic!

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  22. I'll have to try to make that bread. Must be delicous fresh out of the oven.

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  23. I've never made Naan but I do love it so I'm sure I'll get around to making it one day. Your post has definitely encouraged me.

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  24. I can buy such brilliant fresh arabic bread where I live that I've never got round to making unleavened bread. Yours look so tempting that I must give it a try.

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  25. I've always wanted to try my hand at naan breads. They look great and you make it sound so easy too!

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  26. Never made Nann but it looks yummy! You did a great job! Have fun on your staycation ;)

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  27. Ack! Look at that gorgeous naan! I've so long wanted to make my own naan, and you've inspired me to finally take the plunge, maybe even this weekend. It will go so well with the okra and chickpea stew I'm planning for dinner tonight!

    I love your blog; thanks for continuing to share all the awesome stuff that your fiance likes. ;-)

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  28. Happy no going to work for 11-days! Naan seems like a great way to celebrate to me. Ooo and maybe a mango lassi.

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  29. You made me want to go straight to the kitchen and make naan bread!

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  30. I have made naan - and yours looks just perfect. Now, when you get bored cleaning your house can you come do mine? Please?

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  31. I love naan and this recipe is great! Happy spring cleaning!!! And HAPPY VACA!

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  32. Your naan looks beautiful. There is nothing more comforting to me than freshly baked bread. Thank you for sharing with me tonight. After such a difficult week, it has been so refreshing to return to the blogs (and bloggers) that I love. I hope you have a blessed Sunday, sweet girl!

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  33. Love naan but haven't thought to make it myself - yours look so light! Great job.

    I tend to have mine with soups and casseroles and things as well, not just curries, it's a great alternative to bread.

    Have a lovely holiday - I just got back from mine :)

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  34. Ooooh...I love naan. I love all Indian food, but I've never been brave enough to make it myself.

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  35. I used to love naan bread before going GF. That looks so good!

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  36. you aced this one, looks perfect~!

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  37. This looks great...! Thank you for sharing the recipe, I have always wanted to make Naan bread myself at home :).

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  38. We love naan. I have made at home a couple times. It is great also if you put some minced garlic, cumin, cilantro or parsley on top.Yummy!!

    I have officially started my spring cleaning as well! Not looking forward to it. The list keeps growing and growing without anything being checked off! I am looking forward to some inspirational cleaning photos from you so that I can get my act together!

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  39. I love all Indian breads (all Indian food, for that matter) but Naan is my favorite. I've made Roti lots of times but for some reason have never tried Naan. You've definitely inspired me. Great pictures, by the way. Thanks.

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  40. Hi,
    u have an award waiting in my blog. Pls collect it.

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  41. My family loves Naan! I will definitely be giving this a try!

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