Take Out Fake Out: Homemade Naan Bread

Have I ever told you about my love for bread? Probably not. Most people think I am all about the sweets since at the beginning of my blogging career, I posted a lot of sugary recipes. Cupcakes, candy and tiramisu are all faves of mine,  but if I had to choose a go-to food group, it would be carbs.

If I am ever craving something,  it is most always a carb. Crackers, bread, rice, pasta – they’re all good in my books. For me, a meal is not complete without some starchy goodness, which is why you won’t see me on the Atkins diet anytime soon.

To summarize, I likey me carbohydrates.

Enter naan bread. There is absolutely nothing better than a delicious, fresh from the oven baguette to dip into the remainders of the tomato sauce in your bowl. The same goes for naan and curry.

Naan + curry = love.

Which is why I have to have fresh naan bread when I order Indian food. So whenever I make it at home, I want the same thing. Unfortunately, when I have tried in the past to buy a package of store bought naan, it is NOT, I repeat not, the same thing.

Finally, after many disappointing, not-even-close-to-real naan situations, I decided to figure out how to make it myself. Let me tell you, it was so easy.  Like, embarrassingly easy. I vow that I will never buy naan bread again.

Want me to show you how to do it? Well too bad, I’m going to show you anyway.

As always, please let me know if you have an idea for something you want to see on Take Out Fake Out.

Homemade Naan Bread
Serves 6

Total time: 90 minutes

Total time where you actually have to be doing things: 30 minutes

What you need:

• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil plus more for frying
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 whole egg

In a small bowl, add the water, sugar and yeast.  Let sit for 5-6 minutes until frothy.

While the yeast is working, mix the canola oil, yogurt and egg in a large bowl. Add the yeast mix and stir. Add the salt and one cup of flour, and mix. Continue adding more flour until the dough comes together.  Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead, adding more flour if needed. You should need the 3 cups of flour.

Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover with a towel. Set in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, cut into 8 equal pieces. Roll out to about half an inch thick, using more flour if needed. Once all the dough has been rolled out, heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add about a tbsp of oil to the hot pan and then add the first dough round. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and bubbly, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Repeat with the remaining dough rounds. You will need to add more oil to the pan each time. Serve hot and with your favorite Indian dish.

Enjoy!