Naan, the popular Indian flatbread, has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. Its soft, lightly leavened texture and mild flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy curries, fragrant stews, or flavorful dips, naan is the perfect partner to elevate your meal. In this article, we’ll explore the best options to serve with naan, from classic Indian combinations to international twists and creative ideas.
Classic Indian Combinations
Naan originated in India, and it’s no surprise that it pairs perfectly with many traditional Indian dishes. Here are some classic combinations that are sure to please:
Curries
Naan and curry are a match made in heaven. The soft bread soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delight. Some popular curry options to serve with naan include:
- Chicken Tikka Masala: a creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based curry
- Palak Paneer: a creamy spinach curry with Indian cheese
- Chana Masala: a hearty, spicy chickpea curry
Tandoori Dishes
Tandoori cooking involves marinating meat or vegetables in spices and yogurt, then roasting them in a clay oven. Naan is the perfect accompaniment to these flavorful dishes:
- Tandoori Chicken: marinated chicken roasted to perfection
- Tandoori Shrimp: succulent shrimp marinated in spices and yogurt
- Tandoori Vegetables: a colorful mix of marinated vegetables roasted to perfection
Other Indian Favorites
Naan also pairs well with other popular Indian dishes, such as:
* Samosas: crispy fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas
* Korma: a mild, creamy curry made with yogurt, nuts, and spices
* Biryani: a flavorful rice dish made with aromatic spices, basmati rice, and marinated meat or vegetables
International Twists
Naan is a versatile bread that can be paired with a wide range of international dishes. Here are some creative combinations to try:
Mediterranean Flavors
Naan pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean:
* Hummus: a creamy dip made with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice
* Falafel: crispy, flavorful chickpea patties
* Grilled Lamb or Chicken: marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs
Mexican Inspiration
Naan can also be used as a substitute for traditional Mexican breads:
* Tacos: use naan as a wrap for tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or vegetables
* Quesadillas: fill naan with melted cheese, beans, and vegetables for a twist on the classic quesadilla
* Nachos: use naan as a base for nachos, topped with cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite toppings
Creative Ideas
Naan can be used in a variety of creative ways to add texture and flavor to your meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Naan Pizzas
Use naan as a base for mini pizzas, topped with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Naan Wraps
Fill naan with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled chicken or vegetables, hummus, and tabbouleh, for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Naan Croutons
Cube naan and toss it in olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings for a crunchy topping for salads or soups.
Dips and Spreads
Naan is the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dips and spreads. Here are some popular options:
Indian-Style Dips
* Raita: a cool, creamy dip made with yogurt, cucumber, and cumin
* Chutney: a spicy or sweet condiment made with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
* Papadum: thin, crispy flatbread served with a variety of chutneys and dips
International Dips
* Salsa: a spicy dip made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos
* Guacamole: a creamy dip made with avocados, lime juice, and herbs
* Spinach and Artichoke Dip: a creamy, addictive dip made with spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese
Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
Naan can also be used in a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Naan Breakfast Sandwiches
Fill naan with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite meats or vegetables for a twist on the classic breakfast sandwich.
Naan French Toast
Dip naan in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook it in a skillet until golden brown. Top with maple syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
Naan Quiche
Use naan as a crust for a quiche filled with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables or meats.
In conclusion, naan is a versatile bread that can be paired with a wide range of dishes, from classic Indian curries to international twists and creative ideas. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, naan is the perfect accompaniment to elevate your meal. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different combinations to find your new favorite way to serve naan.
What are some popular Indian dishes that go well with naan?
Naan is a versatile Indian flatbread that can be paired with a variety of popular Indian dishes. Some classic combinations include serving naan with rich and creamy curries like butter chicken, palak paneer, or chicken tikka masala. These creamy sauces complement the soft and slightly tangy flavor of naan, making for a satisfying and filling meal. Additionally, naan can also be served with spicy dishes like vindaloo or phall, which helps to balance out the heat.
Other popular Indian dishes that go well with naan include vegetable korma, saag aloo, and chana masala. These dishes offer a mix of textures and flavors that complement the soft and fluffy texture of naan. For a more indulgent treat, naan can also be served with rich and creamy desserts like gulab jamun or kulfi. The key is to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings.
Can I serve naan with non-Indian dishes?
Absolutely, naan can be served with a variety of non-Indian dishes to add a unique twist to your meal. One popular combination is serving naan with Mediterranean dips like hummus or baba ganoush. The soft and slightly tangy flavor of naan pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of these dips. Naan can also be served with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, which adds a nice smoky flavor to the meal.
Other non-Indian dishes that go well with naan include soups like tomato soup or creamy broths, which can be used to dip the naan for added flavor. Naan can also be served with salads like Greek salad or spinach salad, which adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal. The key is to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings and add a unique twist to your meal.
What are some popular dips and spreads that go well with naan?
Naan can be served with a variety of dips and spreads to add flavor and texture to your meal. Some popular options include raita, a yogurt-based side dish that helps to cool down the palate. Other options include chutneys like mint chutney or cilantro chutney, which add a nice burst of flavor to the meal. Naan can also be served with spicy dips like salsa or hot sauce, which adds a nice kick to the meal.
Other popular dips and spreads that go well with naan include hummus, baba ganoush, and guacamole. These creamy dips complement the soft and fluffy texture of naan, making for a satisfying and filling snack. Naan can also be served with cheese spreads like brie or feta, which adds a nice tanginess to the meal. The key is to experiment with different dips and spreads to find your favorite pairings.
Can I use naan as a base for appetizers or snacks?
Absolutely, naan can be used as a base for appetizers or snacks to add a unique twist to your meal. One popular option is to top naan with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables to create a mini pizza. Naan can also be used as a base for appetizers like bruschetta, which involves topping toasted naan with diced tomatoes and basil.
Other options include using naan as a base for sliders, which involves topping naan with a variety of ingredients like chicken, beef, or lamb. Naan can also be used as a base for appetizers like nachos, which involves topping naan with cheese, jalapenos, and salsa. The key is to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to find your favorite combinations and add a unique twist to your meal.
How do I store leftover naan?
Leftover naan can be stored in a variety of ways to keep it fresh for a longer period. One option is to store naan in an airtight container at room temperature, which helps to keep it fresh for up to 2 days. Naan can also be stored in the fridge, which helps to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Simply wrap the naan in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge.
Naan can also be frozen to keep it fresh for a longer period. Simply wrap the naan in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. Frozen naan can be reheated in the oven or microwave to restore its soft and fluffy texture. The key is to store naan in a way that helps to preserve its texture and flavor.
Can I make naan at home?
Absolutely, naan can be made at home with a few simple ingredients and some practice. The basic ingredients required to make naan include flour, yeast, yogurt, and salt. Simply mix the ingredients together and knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough can then be rested for a few hours before being rolled out and cooked in a skillet or oven.
One of the key tips for making naan at home is to use a hot skillet or oven to cook the naan. This helps to give the naan its characteristic puffed texture and slightly charred flavor. Naan can also be cooked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a more authentic flavor and texture. The key is to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find your favorite recipe and method.
What are some variations of naan that I can try?
There are several variations of naan that you can try to add a unique twist to your meal. One popular variation is garlic naan, which involves topping naan with garlic butter or garlic sauce. Other variations include spinach naan, which involves mixing spinach into the dough for added flavor and nutrition.
Other variations of naan include stuffed naan, which involves filling the naan with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meats, or vegetables. Naan can also be topped with a variety of ingredients like herbs, spices, or nuts to add flavor and texture. The key is to experiment with different variations to find your favorite and add a unique twist to your meal.