Naan, a type of Indian bread, is a staple in various cuisines, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This delightful flatbread is prepared using all-purpose flour, water, yeast or sourdough culture, and in some recipes, yogurt, milk, and butter are added for taste and texture. It is conventionally cooked in a tandoor or clay oven, which renders a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.Naan bread provides an irresistibly delicious accompaniment to many delectable dishes, predominantly Indian curries, kebabs, and stews. It is often consumed by tearing small pieces using hands and then dipping into the flavorful sauces of these dishes. As naan has gained global popularity, various renditions showcase variations like stuffed naan, garlic naan, and other flavored creations, thereby adding diversity to its consumption.
FAQs
Which is healthier bread or naan? ›
Which is healthier: bread or naan? Naan is a flatbread, whereas bread comes in loaves. Naan is higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates than loaf bread. The higher protein content of naan will allow you to feel fuller for longer and curve cravings.
Are naan breads unhealthy? ›While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber. Despite its high carb content, naan can be considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to white bread and pita.
What is naan made of? ›Flour, yeast, milk, and butter make a tender dough that's simply seasoned with garlic and salt, but there is a wide array of naan bread flavors. You'll find everything from coconut and raisin-stuffed bread to saucy lamb-topped naan in restaurants and home kitchens around the world.
What do you eat with naan bread? ›One of the most popular Indian delicacies that we know of; curries are creamy with the right amount of spicy, curries pair perfectly with warm, fluffy naan. Naan bread also serves as the perfect companion to soups and stews, absorbing their rich flavors and adding a delightful textural contrast.
Why is naan bread so high in calories? ›Simply - they are made from starch - it is therefore very, very energy dense. Starches are straight glucose (no fructose), so are immediately metabolised from the stomach. Breads - a naan may be up to 150g (5 oz) is therefore the equivalent of (at least) 500 kcal - or 25 teaspoons of sugar!
What is more fattening naan or rice? ›naan is calorically dense due to the refined flour. 100 grams of naan contains 310 calories, compared to 100 grams of steamed brown rice, which contains 125 calories. naan contains no fiber compared to the rice, which leads to an imbalance of gut bacteria, constipation, and a potentially increased risk of bowel cancer.
Do you eat naan by itself? ›Perfect on its own – buttery, fluffy, with a hint of smokiness – consider serving it by itself on its own plate as a complementary side to other dishes, as a warm-up to the main course, or tear it up into a few pieces for dips, soups and more.
What race eats naan? ›Although still a staple of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines—and especially associated with Indian cuisine—the versatility and flavor of naan have led to its incorporation into many different dishes and cuisines worldwide.
Is naan the same as pita? ›Naan bread is soft, fluffy, and chewy, whereas pita bread is denser with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. Naan bread also has a buttery flavor due to the ghee and buttermilk in the dough, which adds an extra dimension of flavor compared to pita bread's more neutral taste.
How is naan typically eaten? ›How to eat. Tear the bread with your hands into bite-sized pieces and use it to scoop up food and put it in your mouth.
Is naan eaten hot or cold? ›
Can you eat naan bread cold? This is a question our readers ask us many times. If it is defrosted naan bread from frozen naan bread we recommend to not eat it cold. Even if you defrost it, please heat it before eating.
Should you toast naan? ›The toaster can be used to reheat your naan bread but it's not the best method to do so. The naan gets really dry and there's no way that you can add water to the naan before toasting. That said, it's really quick and a decent option when a toaster is all you have to reheat the bread.
Is naan healthy for weight loss? ›Naan bread can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole grain varieties. Naan bread contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, fiber, and iron, as well as fiber. It also is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.
Which is the healthiest Indian bread? ›From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha). If you're new to this kind of food, I insist you to try all varieties of Indian breads.
What is a healthy alternative to naan? ›Lo-Dough is much more than an alternative to bread (or naan, in this case), it's a low carb bread and pastry alternative which can be used in a number of different ways. One of the most. It's an Asian classic that could be a superb Friday night feast, only without the calories and carbs.