Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, fluffy, and flavorful naan, Jamie Oliver’s version offers a deliciously simple, authentic recipe that’s perfect for any meal, bringing the warmth of homemade bread to your table with ease.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread

Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread is a straightforward yet irresistibly tasty recipe that captures the essence of traditional Indian naan. This recipe focuses on creating soft, pillowy naan with minimal ingredients and simple methods, making it accessible for anyone, regardless of their baking experience. Jamie’s approach involves using basic pantry ingredients like flour, yogurt, and yeast, which gives the naan its signature texture and flavor-light, airy, and slightly tangy.

The bread is often paired with curries, grilled meats, or dips, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack. What’s great about Jamie’s version is that it’s quick, taking just around 1-2 hours from start to finish, making it a feasible option for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat.

Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Making Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread requires only a few basic ingredients:

1. Strong white bread flour – This is key for giving the bread structure and elasticity.
2. Baking powder – This helps the dough rise and creates the fluffiness that is characteristic of naan.
3. Active dry yeast – Yeast gives the bread a wonderful texture and slight tanginess.
4. Natural yogurt – Yogurt helps tenderize the dough, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
5. Warm water – This activates the yeast and helps bring everything together.
6. Sugar – A small amount to help feed the yeast and add a slight sweetness to the dough.
7. Salt – To balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
8. Ghee or melted butter – For brushing on the naan once it’s cooked, adding richness and a luxurious finish.

Optional ingredients include garlic for garlic naan or coriander for a fresh, herby flavor.

Equipment Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread, you’ll need just a few simple pieces of kitchen equipment:

1. Mixing Bowl – For combining the ingredients and kneading the dough.
2. Dough Scraper or Hands – If you prefer kneading by hand, a scraper will help gather the dough, but your hands work just fine to bring everything together.
3. Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough into flat, round discs.
4. Heavy Bottomed Pan or Griddle – Ideally, a cast-iron pan works best to achieve that slightly crispy exterior, but a non-stick pan will work as well.
5. Basting Brush – For brushing ghee or butter onto the finished naan.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread?

Making Jamie Oliver’s naan is a simple yet rewarding process:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to combine and leave it for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the yogurt. Stir to combine into a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more warm water.
4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Naan: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small, even-sized balls. Roll each ball into an oval or round shape using a rolling pin. Make them about 1/4 inch thick for that perfect softness.
6. Cook the Naan: Heat your pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled dough into the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles start to form. Flip the naan over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly charred in spots.
7. Finishing Touch: Once cooked, remove the naan from the pan and brush it immediately with melted ghee or butter. If you like garlic naan, you can brush the naan with a mix of melted butter and minced garlic.
8. Serve: Serve warm with your favorite curry, stew, or dip. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

1. Use Warm Water: When activating the yeast, make sure the water is warm but not too hot, as water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
2. Add a Touch of Sugar: Adding sugar to the yeast mixture helps activate the yeast and gives the naan a subtle sweetness.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial for a soft texture. Make sure to give it time to double in size.
4. Hot Pan is Key: Ensure your pan or griddle is preheated well before adding the dough. The high heat creates those signature bubbles and charred spots.
5. Brush with Ghee or Butter: Brushing the naan with ghee or melted butter right after cooking makes it soft, shiny, and irresistible. For a special twist, add some chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh flavor.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread

Jamie Oliver’s naan bread recipe is already a fantastic starting point for creating fluffy, delicious, and authentic-tasting naan at home. However, there’s plenty of room for creativity, and you can easily tweak the ingredients or method to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some easy and exciting variations you can try:

1. Garlic and Herb Naan: Adding minced garlic and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like coriander or parsley to the dough gives the naan a lovely aromatic flavor. You can also brush the cooked naan with a little garlic butter for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Cheese-Stuffed Naan: If you’re a cheese lover, try adding a little grated cheese (like cheddar, mozzarella, or paneer) inside the naan before sealing it and rolling it out. When baked, it creates a gooey, cheesy center that’s perfect for dipping into curries or chutneys.
3. Whole Wheat Naan: For a healthier twist, replace all or part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your naan a slightly nutty flavor and boost the fiber content. The texture might be a bit denser, but it’s a great option for those looking to add more whole grains to their diet.
4. Spinach and Feta Naan: A Mediterranean-inspired twist is adding cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the dough. The earthy flavor of spinach combined with the creamy, tangy feta makes for a unique and tasty naan that pairs well with Greek or Indian-inspired dishes.
5. Sweet Naan: For a dessert-style naan, you can incorporate a little sugar or honey into the dough. This sweet naan can be topped with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with honey after baking. It’s perfect for serving alongside fruit, yogurt, or as a standalone treat.
6. Spiced Naan: For those who enjoy bold flavors, you can add ground spices such as cumin, cardamom, or garam masala into the dough. These spices will infuse the naan with a warm, aromatic kick, making them a great pairing for flavorful curries or grilled meats.

Each of these variations allows you to customize the flavor profile of the naan to suit whatever dish you’re pairing it with or personal preferences you have in mind. Feel free to experiment and get creative!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

When you make extra naan bread and have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here’s how you can store naan bread to keep it fresh:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan on eating your leftover naan within the next couple of days, storing it at room temperature is perfectly fine. Wrap the naan in a clean kitchen towel or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from heat and direct sunlight. You should consume it within 2-3 days.
2. Freezing Naan: If you want to store naan for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Allow the naan to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped naan in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, you can thaw it at room temperature or heat it straight from the freezer. To reheat, just pop it in the oven for a few minutes or heat it on a skillet to restore its softness.
3. Reheating Naan: To reheat naan and bring back its fresh, fluffy texture, there are several methods. If you’re reheating frozen naan, you can wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can place the naan on a hot skillet with a little butter or oil, covering it with a lid to heat through. If you prefer oven reheating, wrap the naan in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
4. Avoid Storing in Plastic Bags: While plastic bags are great for freezing, storing naan in plastic bags at room temperature can cause it to become soggy. The moisture can accumulate in the bag, compromising the texture of the bread. A towel or an airtight container is a better option for short-term storage.

By following these simple practices, you can ensure that your leftover naan remains just as delicious as when it was freshly made!

What Goes Well With Naan Bread?

Naan bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement naan perfectly:

1. Curries: Naan is a natural companion to curries. Whether it’s a rich, creamy butter chicken, a spicy vindaloo, or a mild dal, naan is perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce and adding an extra layer of texture. The soft, pillowy bread soaks up the curry beautifully.
2. Grilled Meats: Naan also goes wonderfully with grilled or tandoori meats like lamb kebabs, chicken tikka, or seekh kebabs. The smoky char from the grill pairs excellently with the soft texture of naan, making it the perfect accompaniment.
3. Raita and Chutneys: Cool, tangy raita (a yogurt-based sauce) and sweet or spicy chutneys are fantastic dips to pair with naan. The coolness of the raita balances out the heat of spicy curries, while chutneys provide an extra burst of flavor, whether it’s mango, mint, or tamarind.
4. Vegetarian Dishes: Naan is equally great with vegetable-based dishes. Try pairing it with a vegetable curry, like aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), chana masala (chickpea curry), or baingan bharta (roasted eggplant mash). The hearty vegetables and spiced flavors work harmoniously with the soft naan.
5. Hummus and Mezze: For a lighter, more Mediterranean-inspired meal, naan can be served with hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and other mezze platters. The bread works as a perfect vessel for scooping up these dips and salads.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For something a bit more inventive, use naan as the base for a grilled cheese sandwich. You can stuff naan with slices of cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), grill it until the cheese melts, and serve with some spicy ketchup or chutney.
7. Soups: Naan also pairs well with soups, especially thicker ones like tomato, lentil, or carrot soup. The bread is ideal for dipping and absorbing the rich flavors of the soup, making it a comforting meal.

Conclusion

Naan bread is a delightful and versatile creation that can be adapted to suit various flavors and dishes. Whether you’re making Jamie Oliver’s classic recipe or experimenting with fun variations, naan is always a welcome addition to your kitchen.

It’s a perfect side for curries, grilled meats, or dips, and it’s just as satisfying on its own. By following proper storage and reheating tips, you can easily enjoy naan leftovers without compromising on quality. So, get creative with your ingredients and enjoy this delicious flatbread in countless ways!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe?

For Jamie Oliver’s naan bread, you’ll need the following ingredients: strong white bread flour, yogurt, baking powder, olive oil, sugar, sea salt, and warm water. You may also need extra flour for dusting the surface while kneading.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread?

It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to make Jamie Oliver’s naan bread, including preparation time for the dough (about 30 minutes) and resting time (1 hour). The actual cooking time for each naan bread is around 2-3 minutes on the stovetop.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe Without Yogurt?

Yes, if you prefer not to use yogurt, you can substitute it with buttermilk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. This will slightly change the flavor and texture but still result in a delicious naan bread.

What Is The Secret To Getting Soft And Fluffy Naan Bread Like Jamie Oliver’s?

The key to soft and fluffy naan bread is allowing the dough to rest and rise properly. Jamie Oliver’s recipe uses yogurt, which helps make the bread tender. Also, cooking the naan on high heat for a short time ensures it stays soft and fluffy while developing a nice, slightly charred texture.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the naan dough ahead of time. Simply prepare the dough, let it rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before rolling out and frying.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread?

Jamie Oliver recommends cooking naan bread in a hot cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Preheat the pan until it’s smoking hot, then cook the naan for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping it when bubbles start to appear. This will give the bread a beautiful texture and slight char.

Can I Add Garlic To Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe?

Yes, adding garlic is a great variation!

To make garlic naan, simply mix minced garlic into the dough or brush the cooked naan with garlic butter before serving.

Is It Possible To Make Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt Jamie Oliver’s naan bread recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread. Keep in mind that gluten-free flour may not give the exact same texture, but it will still be delicious if you follow the right substitutions.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Naan Bread?

Jamie Oliver’s naan bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, such as curries, stews, grilled meats, or even as a side for dips like hummus or raita. It’s also delicious for making wraps or sandwiches.

How Do I Store Leftover Naan Bread From Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?

To store leftover naan bread, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap the naan in foil and warm it in the oven or briefly heat it in a dry skillet.