Fresh Flour Naan: A Culinary Delight

Creating naan bread from scratch with freshly milled flour is an experience like no other. The soft, slightly chewy texture combined with the authentic taste makes this flatbread a household favorite. With this easy recipe, you’ll master the art of crafting naan bread right in your kitchen, using simple, wholesome ingredients. No fancy equipment is needed—just your hands, a bowl, and a hot skillet!

Why Use Freshly Milled Flour?

Freshly milled flour stands out for its enhanced flavor, nutrient density, and unbeatable freshness. When grains are milled at home, they retain essential oils and natural flavors lost in commercially processed flour. This freshness gives naan a unique depth of taste and texture. Using whole grains like hard white wheat and Kamut (Khorasan wheat) adds balance—gluten for elasticity and buttery richness for flavor.

Selecting the Right Grain for Naan

The type of wheat you use significantly impacts the final product.

• Hard White Wheat: Provides structure and elasticity for rolling and cooking.
• Kamut (Khorasan Wheat): Adds a buttery flavor and tender texture to the bread.

Feel free to experiment with other varieties, such as spelt or red wheat, for unique flavors.

Tips for Perfect Naan Every Time

Resting Time Matters
Freshly milled flour needs time to absorb liquids. Allow the dough to rest after mixing to ensure a smooth, manageable consistency.

Preheat Your Cooking Surface
A well-heated skillet or cast iron pan ensures even cooking. Aim for a medium-high temperature (around 400°F) for best results.

Avoid Overcooking
Overcooking can make naan tough. Aim for quick cooking to achieve a soft, slightly charred finish.

Butter Makes It Better
Brushing melted butter on freshly cooked naan adds moisture and a rich flavor.

How to Enjoy Freshly Made Naan

Naan’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of dishes and occasions:

As a Side Dish
Pair naan with Indian classics like butter chicken, chana masala, or palak paneer. It’s perfect for soaking up sauces.

As a Wrap or Sandwich Base
Use naan to wrap grilled veggies, falafel, or kebabs for a portable meal.

As a Pizza Base
Transform naan into a quick and delicious pizza by adding your favorite toppings.

For Breakfast or Dessert
Top warm naan with jam, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

Storing and Freezing Naan

Short-Term Storage: Store cooked naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat before serving for optimal freshness.

Long-Term Storage: Freeze naan in a sealed bag for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature and warm before serving.

Homemade Fresh-Milled Flour Naan Flatbread

Recipe by Cookingpoint.net

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Recipes

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Naan with fresh milled flour is such a fun and easy thing to make! You get the perfect chew with that tender flatbread feeling! It’s just so warm and comforting, and always a real treat every time I make it! This is such an easy recipe, great for jumping into baking with fresh milled flour! It comes together in no time, and no mixer is required!

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly milled flour (240g; half hard white wheat and half Kamut recommended)

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (178g)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt; adjust flour if needed)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 4-5 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after cooking)

Directions

• Grind hard white wheat and Kamut grains to create fresh flour.
• Mix the flour, sugar, and warm water in a bowl until fully combined. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
• Add salt, baking powder, yogurt, and oil. Mix until combined. Knead briefly to form a cohesive dough.
• Mix in instant yeast and knead until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
• Lightly oil the dough and bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
• Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Shape each into a ball and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Heat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan to medium-high (400°F).
• Roll out each dough ball into an oval shape (~⅛ inch thick). Brush one side with water and place it water-side down on the hot skillet.
• Brush the cooked naan with melted butter immediately after cooking. Serve warm!

Notes

• For added flavor, try infusing the butter with garlic or herbs.
  Use a food processor for milling if you don’t have a dedicated mill.
  Experiment with adding herbs or spices like cumin or nigella seeds to the dough