Naan Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons warm water (110F / 45C)
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• cup warm milk
• cup plain yogurt, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon baking powder
• teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji) (Optional)

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add in the warm milk, yogurt, and melted butter. Mix well.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and optional nigella seeds. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients all at once.

Step 4: Stir the mixture together with your hands, incorporating the wet and dry ingredients. Continue mixing, adding more flour or water as needed, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat. Cover with a damp cloth.

Step 6: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 4 hours, or until it has doubled in volume.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 550F (285C), or your oven's highest setting. Set a rack in the lower third of the oven. Place a large pizza pan or iron griddle on the rack to preheat. Also, preheat the broiler.

Step 8: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it briefly. Divide the dough into six equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place the balls on an oiled plate, covering them with lightly oiled plastic wrap.

Step 9: Allow the dough balls to rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 10: Roll out and stretch each dough ball into a shape about 10 inches long and 5 inches wide.

Step 11: Remove the pizza pan from the oven, brush it with oil, and place one of the rolled-out dough pieces on it.

Step 12: Bake the dough in the preheated oven at 550F (285C) for 4-5 minutes, or until it puffs up and has brown spots. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Return the pizza pan to the oven to keep it hot.

Step 13: Place the bread under the broiler until 'charcoal' dots form on the surface. Once done, wrap the bread in a towel to keep warm while baking the remaining loaves.

Step 14: (Optional) If your pizza pan is large enough, you can bake two pieces of bread at a time.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1 of 6 servings):

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.