The History of Naan: What are the Origins of India's Favorite Bread?

Naan is one of the most popular Indian bread and is often served at Indian restaurants. It's also used in many cultural dishes such as pizza, tandoori chicken, or even a wrap for sandwiches. The bread is a staple in India and has been around for centuries. Here are some interesting facts about Naan and its history that you may not have known before.

What is Naan?

Naan is a type of bread that is made from wheat flour. It's typically cooked on a stovetop or in an oven, though it can also be fried and baked simultaneously. The dough is left to rise until it becomes fluffy and then shaped into small balls. After the dough balls are ready, they are placed on a hot Tava, a circular griddle, to cook them.

Naan comes from the Hindi word nān, meaning "curled" or "to curl." The bread has been around for centuries and was first recorded in texts dating back to 700 AD.

In India today, Naan is an integral part of many dishes and serves as the base for many other items. The bread is often used as a wrap for sandwiches or a pizza crust because it's chewy and soft. For example, in Indian cuisine, Naan is usually topped with vegetables like onion and garlic before being cooked in curries like chicken tikka masala or tandoori chicken. It's also served with some Indian dishes such as biryani or korma meat dish so its flavour can absorb these sauces during cooking.

The Origins of Naan

Naan is thought to have originated in the Middle East. It likely came about during the Islamic era because it was a staple food for Muslims. The bread was not widely recognized as a cultural staple until the mid-20th century.

Naan is thought to have been created accidentally when dough from a clay oven mixed with yoghurt or milk and cooked on a flat stone. It was discovered that the dough would rise and become soft, fluffy, and light when cooked over an open fire.

One of the most common ways Naan is served is stuffed with spices, herbs, or even meat (usual lamb) before being baked in an oven. It's also possible to make Naan at home using yeast and baking powder instead of yeast and baking soda.

Another interesting fact about Naan is it's traditionally made in India's deserts during hot summer months. It was created when little starch was available to make bread with.

Is Naan Indian or Middle Eastern?

Naan is a flatbread with wheat flour and yeast. It's most commonly served in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The dough is usually cooked on a tandoor, a clay-covered hearth oven. The bread is then brushed with ghee before baking to crispy, golden colour.

The first reference to Naan was found in the 10th century in Sulayman ibn al-Rashid's Kitab al-Watwat (Book of Food). The bread was used as an emergency ration for soldiers during battle. However, the bread didn't gain popularity until much later. It became one of the staple foods at bazaars and souks.

As you can see, Naan is not just an Indian dish but also has roots from other countries such as Turkey or Iran.

How did Naan get its name?

"Naan" comes from the Hindi word "nan," which means bread. It's interesting to note that Naan is not the original Indian bread called roti. However, Naan became so popular that it was referred to as "the king of bread".

The process of how Naan got its name varies depending on who you ask. Some say it was given its name because it was traditionally cooked over a clay oven called an "angana." Others argue that the bread got its name because Naan makes an audible noise when it's dropped into hot oil to cook (a similar process used to make popcorn). However, others say that the noise made by dipping the dough into hot oil sounded like "na-aan," hence the name.

How old is Naan?

Naan is believed to have been created in the 11th century by a Muslim woman named Bima. Bima used her oven to cook bread for her husband and his friends while away at war.

There was much unrest between Muslims and Hindus, which led to a ban on wheat and rice. This left Bima without a choice but to try something new with the ingredients she had available.

Many exciting stories about how Naan came into existence, but its true origin remains unknown.

How to make your own Naan.

Many people have tried to make their own Naan at home, but it can be challenging. The ingredients and technique are not always consistent.

Here's how to make your own Naan in just five steps:

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk or water with yoghurt until combined and the mixture is smooth.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix well.
Heat a griddle or frying pan on medium heat until hot (about 4 minutes).
Place dough onto the hot griddle or frying pan, using an ice cream scoop to form rounds of dough (alternatively, you can also use your hands) as thin as possible without breaking them apart.

Or you can grab it fresh with a mouth-watering main dish at The Yarra Indian Restaurant.