Homemade Whole Wheat Naan Bread: Easy, Healthy, and Utterly Delicious
Discover the incredible simplicity and unmatched taste of homemade Whole Wheat Naan Bread. This recipe is surprisingly easy for a bread, yielding tender, pillowy flatbreads that are not only delicious but also packed with the goodness of whole grains. Perfect for soaking up rich sauces or enjoying on its own, this healthful naan will quickly become a family favorite.
There’s nothing quite like the experience of a homemade Indian feast, and no such meal is truly complete without the perfect accompaniment: warm, soft, and slightly chewy naan bread. Last night, our dinner transported us straight to India, featuring the aromatic Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken), fragrant turmeric basmati rice with peas, and, of course, this absolutely delicious, pillowy naan bread. You might be surprised to learn just how effortless it is to create this authentic flatbread right in your own kitchen.
My recipe for this homemade naan takes a slightly healthier turn by incorporating white whole wheat flour. This choice allows us to enjoy all the wonderful benefits of whole grains without compromising on the light, tender texture that naan is famous for. While traditional naan recipes often use all-purpose flour, opting for whole wheat elevates its nutritional profile significantly, making it a more wholesome choice for your family.
Why Choose Whole Wheat Naan? The Power of White Whole Wheat Flour
Many home bakers are hesitant to use whole wheat flour due to concerns about a dense or heavy result. However, white whole wheat flour is a game-changer. It is nutritionally identical to regular whole wheat flour, containing the full bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat berry. The key difference lies in the variety of wheat used: white whole wheat comes from a lighter-colored, milder-tasting wheat strain. This means you get all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of whole wheat, but with a color and flavor profile that more closely resembles traditional white flour.
I’ve completely fallen in love with white whole wheat flour and find myself substituting it for all-purpose flour in countless recipes these days. For bread recipes like naan, where a lighter crumb is desired, it’s essential to understand its properties. Since it’s still a whole grain flour, it behaves somewhat differently from refined flour. To counteract any potential for density and ensure that signature soft, pliable naan texture, I incorporate a blend of both white whole wheat flour and bread flour. The higher protein content in bread flour helps develop strong gluten, contributing to the naan’s elasticity and chewiness, while the white whole wheat flour adds that invaluable nutritional boost.
Beyond its health benefits, making naan at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s especially fun to involve kids in the process! Watching the dough rise, kneading it with their little hands, and seeing the flatbread puff up on the skillet creates wonderful memories and a delicious outcome. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the joy of baking and global cuisines.
The Art of Perfect Homemade Naan
Creating perfect naan isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of common kitchen ingredients. The addition of plain Greek yogurt is crucial here; it not only tenderizes the dough but also adds a slight tang that enhances the flavor. Yogurt contributes to the naan’s incredibly soft texture and helps keep it moist, ensuring that each bite is a delight. Combined with yeast for rise and a touch of baking soda and baking powder for extra fluffiness and a slightly chewier texture, these ingredients work in harmony to produce a truly exceptional flatbread.
The kneading process is vital for developing the gluten structure, which gives naan its characteristic chew. If you have a stand mixer, let it do the hard work for about 10 minutes. This ensures a smooth, elastic dough that will be a joy to work with. Proper proofing, or rising, is equally important. A warm, draft-free environment helps the yeast activate and create those wonderful air pockets that make naan so light and airy. My personal tip for a perfect rise is to preheat your oven for just a couple of minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside the residual warmth. This creates a consistently warm micro-environment, ideal for yeast activity.
When it comes to cooking, a hot nonstick skillet is all you need. Unlike traditional tandoor ovens, a well-heated skillet on your stovetop perfectly mimics the high heat required to achieve those beautiful golden spots and puffy texture. Rolling out the dough thinly and evenly is key, ensuring quick cooking and consistent results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the thickness – some prefer a slightly thicker naan for more chew, while others love a very thin, crispy version. A quick spray of olive oil on both sides before cooking helps in achieving that delightful browning and crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Whole Wheat Naan Bread
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Ingredients
- ½ c warm water
- ½ c warm milk
- 1 t active dry yeast
- 1 T honey
- 1 c plain Greek yogurt
- 2 c bread flour
- 2 c white whole wheat flour
- 1 t baking soda
- 1-1/2 t baking powder
- 1 t kosher salt
- olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the milk, water, and yeast. Let the yeast proof 10 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Once the yeast has proofed, add the yogurt (give it a quick zap in the microwave so it’s not cold) and honey with the mixer stirring on the lowest setting. Add the flour mixture. Continue mixing 10 minutes to knead the dough. Remove the dough hook, cover bowl with a damp towel, and let the dough rise 1 hour in a warm place (Note: I preheat my oven for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, and then let my dough rise in there).
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Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 pieces. Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Spray skillet with cooking spray. Roll out a piece of dough into a thin disk and put in the skillet. Spray the dough side that is up with cooking spray. Cook ~1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and toasty on each side. Repeat for the remaining pieces of dough.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Twists
While homemade whole wheat naan is a staple alongside Indian curries like Chicken Makhani or a fragrant lentil dal, its versatility extends far beyond traditional pairings. Consider serving it with chickpea curry, a vibrant vegetarian dish, or use it as a base for mini pizzas with your favorite toppings. It makes an excellent accompaniment to Mediterranean spreads like hummus or baba ghanoush, and its sturdy yet soft texture is perfect for scooping up any kind of stew or hearty soup. You can also turn it into a delicious wrap for grilled meats, falafel, or roasted vegetables, creating a quick and satisfying meal.
For an extra burst of flavor, try brushing your freshly cooked naan with melted garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Other popular variations include adding nigella seeds (kalonji) or sesame seeds to the dough before cooking for a nutty crunch, or even stuffing the naan with grated cheese or finely minced herbs for a delightful surprise. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize your homemade naan to suit any palate or meal.
Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Naan
If you happen to have any leftover naan (a rare occurrence!), it stores beautifully. Allow the cooked naan to cool completely, then stack the pieces with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them back into a hot, dry skillet for a minute or two per side until warmed through and pliable again. You can also briefly warm them in a microwave, but the skillet method yields a much better texture.
Making your own naan bread is a truly rewarding culinary adventure. This whole wheat version combines authentic flavor and texture with added health benefits, proving that delicious food can also be nutritious. With this easy recipe, you’re not just making bread; you’re creating an experience, a staple for countless meals, and a delightful way to explore international flavors from the comfort of your home kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your mixer, and prepare to impress your taste buds with this incredible, wholesome flatbread.
