Naan Bread

Recipe View In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. (5-10 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, yogurt, and melted butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and nigella seeds. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the milk mixture. Mix with your hands or a stand mixer until the dough comes together, adding more flour or water as needed to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 4 hours, or until doubled in size. (4 hours)

Recipe View Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 550 degrees F (285 degrees C). Place a pizza stone or cast-iron griddle on the lowest rack to preheat. Also, preheat the broiler. (30 minutes)

Recipe View Punch down the risen dough and knead briefly. Divide it into six equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place the balls on an oiled plate, cover with lightly oiled plastic wrap, and let rest for 10-15 minutes. (15 minutes)

Recipe View On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval shape, approximately 10 inches long and 5 inches wide. Carefully remove the preheated pizza stone or griddle from the oven and lightly brush with oil. Place one piece of naan dough onto the hot surface.

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, until the naan puffs up and develops golden-brown spots. Transfer the naan to a wire rack, and return the pizza stone or griddle to the oven to maintain its heat. Place the baked naan under the broiler for a few seconds to achieve characteristic 'charcoal' dots on the surface. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Wrap the finished naan in a clean towel to keep warm and soft while baking the remaining loaves. For larger pizza stones or griddles, you may be able to bake two naans at a time, reducing overall baking time.