Tandoori naan is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally made in a tandoor oven, which is a cylindrical clay or metal oven used in Indian and Pakistani cooking. The naan is made from a simple mixture of flour, yeast, salt, and water, and is then stretched and rolled out into an oval shape before being baked in the tandoor oven.
Tandoori naan is typically served hot and is often brushed with butter or ghee to add flavor and moisture. It can be served plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as garlic, cheese, or minced lamb. Tandoori naan is a popular accompaniment to many Indian and Pakistani dishes, including curries, kebabs, and tandoori chicken.
To make tandoori naan on a tawa (griddle), you can follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of yogurt
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- 2-3 cloves of finely minced garlic (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Add yogurt, melted butter, and warm water to the flour mixture, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, divide the dough into equal portions (around 6-8 pieces).
- Roll each piece of dough into a small, oval-shaped naan.
- Preheat the tava or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Brush the top of the naan with water and place the wet side down onto the hot tava.
- Cook for 30-40 seconds, or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
- Flip the naan and cook the other side for an additional 30-40 seconds.
- Use a pair of tongs to remove the naan from the tava and brush with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle with finely chopped cilantro and garlic.
- Repeat steps 7-10 with the remaining pieces of naan.
Your homemade tandoori naan is ready to serve. You can enjoy it with your favorite curry or dip, or eat it on its own as a delicious side dish.
