Naan is an oven-baked flatbread, and a dish of an Indian national cuisine. In addition, the naan is widespread in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Caribbean.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups white whole wheat flour + 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour)
– 1/4 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions:
1. Stir together warm water and honey until the honey is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the water mixture and give it a quick stir just to mix it. Then let it sit for 5-10 minute until the yeast is foamy.
3. Add gradually flour, yogurt, salt, baking powder, and egg. Mix slowly with a mixer, then increase speed to medium-low, and continue mixing the dough for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.
4. After removing the dough from the mixing bowl, use your hands to shape it into a ball.
5. Grease the mixing bowl (or a separate bowl) with olive oil or cooking spray, then place the dough ball back in the bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Place in a warm location and let it rise for 1 hour until the dough has nearly doubled in size.
6. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saute pan, add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Discard the garlic, leaving the infused melted butter.
7. Once the dough is ready, cut the dough into 8 separate pieces. Roll each into a ball with your hands, then place on the floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a large circle (1/4-inch thick). Brush dough lightly with the garlic-infused butter on both sides.
8. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute, or until the dough begins to bubble and the bottom turns lightly golden. Flip the dough and cook on the other side for 30-60 seconds, or until the bottom is golden.
9. Then transfer the naan to a separate plate, and cover with a towel.
10. Serve sprinkled with fresh cilantro, if desired.
