Naan is an Indian leavened flatbread usually made in a clay oven called a tandoor with wheat flour, all-purpose flour or maida. Since most people do not have tandoor in their homes to prepare this soft, crunchy and chewy bread, naan might be one of the most-ordered popular breads in Indian restaurants.
This traditional Indian bread is prepared using wheat flour, yeast, water, and salt. Typically, the dough is kneaded and leavened until soft and elastic, then stretched into circles and baked in a clay oven called a tandoor until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Before serving, naan is often coated with butter or ghee.
Naan offers a diverse range of tempting varieties. The classic Butter Garlic Naan boasts a golden hue, is brushed with butter and is sprinkled with minced garlic for a simple yet delightful taste. Paneer Naan presents a savoury option, stuffed with a blend of grated paneer cheese, coriander, onions, and spices, perfect alongside curries.
Peshwari Naan, originating from Pakistan, indulges the palate with its sweet and rich filling of almonds, coconut, and raisins, ideal for pairing with spicy curries. Aloo Naan offers a spicy twist, filled with a mixture of chilli peppers and coriander-infused potatoes. Kashmiri Naan is a sweet delight featuring dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often enjoyed with tea.
Naan-e Afghani, Afghanistan's national bread, is a thin, crispy flatbread brushed with egg wash and sesame seeds. Kheema Naan presents a hearty option filled with minced lamb or goat curry, potatoes, and spices, making it a satisfying meal on its own. Apart from these classic versions, there are also cheese-garlic naan filled with cheese stuffing and minced garlic, methi naan, and more.
A variety of side dishes pair well with naan, such as creamy paneer tikka masala, spicy lentil dal, or flavourful curries like butter chicken. It also complements kebabs, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes like chana masala or palak paneer. Here are a few tempting combinations to try:
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1. Paneer Keema:
Paneer keema, a vegetarian dish made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tomatoes, onions, and spices, pairs excellently with naan. The rich, spicy flavours of the keema are enhanced by the soft, chewy texture of the naan, creating a flavourful and satisfying combo.
2. Dal Makhni:
Dal makhni, an authentic Indian dish made with beans (rajma) and black lentils (urad dal) cooked in a thick gravy of tomatoes, onions, and garam masala, complements naan beautifully. The creamy dal pairs perfectly with the dense and soft naan bread, offering a delightful combination.
3. Rogan Josh:
Rogan josh, a traditional Kashmiri dish cooked with lamb or goat and aromatic spices, pairs wonderfully with naan. The chewy texture of naan melts in your mouth, enhancing the spicy and rich flavours of the gravy, making it a perfect duo.
4. Paneer Tikka Masala:
Paneer tikka masala, a popular Indian dish made with marinated paneer cubes cooked in a flavourful tomato-based sauce, is best served with naan. The soft, chewy texture of naan complements the tender, delicious paneer, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish.
5. Chicken Changhezi:
Chicken Changhezi, named after the Changhezi region of China known for its culinary legacy, pairs deliciously with naan. The savoury and aromatic flavours of the dish complement the chewy, soft texture of naan, making it a satisfying combination.
6. Mutton Rara:
Mutton rara, a dish made with finely chopped meat and tender mutton chunks simmered in a savoury gravy with onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, and aromatic spices, is a popular choice with naan. The soft, chewy texture of naan pairs perfectly with the tender mutton and rich sauce, making it a delicious meal.
7. Nargisi Kofta:
Nargisi kofta, a traditional Indian dish made with hard-boiled eggs wrapped in spiced minced meat and cooked in a flavourful sauce, pairs well with naan. The rich flavours of the kofta and its gravy are perfectly complemented by the soft and chewy texture of the naan, creating a gratifying dinner.
8. Kashmiri Dum Aloo:
Kashmiri dum aloo, a North Indian delicacy made with potatoes cooked in a savoury stew of yoghurt, spices, and occasionally cream or cashew paste, is best enjoyed with naan. The chewy, soft texture of naan contrasts beautifully with the creamy, fragrant gravy of Kashmiri dum aloo, creating a flavourful and well-balanced meal.
