Afghani Naan Flatbread Recipes

AFGHAN NAAN BREAD WITH YOGURT

Steps:

• Mix the flours, yeast, syrup, salt, water, yogurt, and oil in a food processor, fitted with a dough blade or a mixer fitted with a bread hook.
• Knead for about 5 minutes (more or less depending on the machine you are using) or until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. If you do that by hand, you will have to knead a bit longer.The dough should be soft but not too sticky; if it is too sticky, add a bit more flour a little at a time.
• Let rise: Form a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place. Leave for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
• Divide the dough into 10 portions, form small balls, cover and let stand for another 15 minutes.
• Roll the balls into discs using a small rolling pin, and shape the dough to form the typical elongated naan bread. The naan breads should be rolled about about 5 mm/ 0.2 inches thick, about 12-14 cm / 5-5.5 inches long and about 8-9 cm/ 3-3.5 inches wide.
• Fry bread: Melt a little bit of the butter or ghee in a large non-stick skillet, add 2 or 3 of the dough pieces and fry for 1 minute.
• Flip and cook the second side for about 4 minutes until the underside has brown spots.
• Repeat: Melt another small piece of butter and repeat with the rest of the dough.
• Brush: Place the naan bread on a cloth and brush with a little more butter or ghee. Keep covered in cloth until ready to serve.

NONI AFGHANI

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
• Place flour in a large bowl, and stir in salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the corn oil and yeast mixture. Add the remaining water in small amounts until you have a soft moist dough that can be handled. Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead for at least 5 minutes. Return to the bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Deflate the risen dough, and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball with a rolling pin so it is oval shaped, about 6 inches long, and 1/2 inch thick. Use a fork or dull knife to draw three lines on the top of each loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet. Mix together the egg and remaining tablespoon of water; brush the tops of the loaves with the mixture. Sprinkle caraway seeds over the tops, if using.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the loaves are shiny and golden brown.

AFGHANI NAAN (FLATBREAD)

Steps:

• Sift the flour with the salt into a large bowl; stir in the yeast.
• Add the vegetable oil, if using, and rub it in wih your hands.
• Gradually add in the warm water and mix with your hands to form a smooth, round, soft dough.
• Knead for 7 to 10 minutes until dough is elastic and smooth.
• Roll dough into several round balls, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest in a warm spot until dough has doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 500 degreesF; line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place in the oven to get hot.
• Once the dough has risen, divided into about 4 equal portions; on a lightly floured surface, shape or roll the dough out into an oval 1/2 inch thick.
• Wet your hands and use your fingertips to make deep grooves down the center of each oval; sprinkle with your chosen seeds, if desired.
• Remove the hot tray from the oven and place a prepared dough on it and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes (the bread should be fairly crisp on the outside) being careful not to over cook or burn it.
• Repeat with remaining dough.
• Wrap each bread with a clean tea towel or tin foil to prevent them from drying out.