You cannot resist that crispy yet tender flat bread that tastes and smells genuinely good- the Naan bread.
Naan is Indian flatbread that is typically leavened with yeast and baked in a clay-oven. This traditional baking method adds to the bread’s tempting smell.
Since it has become a popular bread, you can now buy it from different bakeries and supermarkets. It is also sold in some Indian or Asian restaurants. Others choose to bake their own Naan bread at home.
If you have an extra Naan frozen in the fridge, you probably wonder how you can reheat it while it remains tenderly crispy.
So, How can I reheat Naan bread? Sure, you can. You can have different options how to reheat it like using a microwave, an oven, or a skillet over the stove. Whatever option you choose to reheat your bread is good as long as you do not overdo it and you follow some techniques.
Reheating Naan Bread
You Naan flatbread could be refrigerated or frozen but there should no hassle for you to reheat it. Here are some easy tips for you.
Microwaving
If you want the easiest and fastest way of reheating your Naan flatbread, choose to microwave it. A refrigerated flatbread can be warmed for not more than 50 seconds in a microwave.
Microwaving is also a good method for reheating a frozen Naan because moisture can be retained while inside the microwave and it will prevent the bread from becoming too dry.
Time is also very important. You should not reheat it for more than a minute because it could get dry and you will end up with a tough bread instead of a soft and moist bread.
For reheating time tips using a microwave:
- Reheat a single Naan bread for 30 seconds.
- Reheat two Naan breads for one minute or less.
- Reheat three Naan breads for not more than a minute and 30 seconds.
Skillet
You can be more conventional in reheating your Naan by using a skillet though it will be a little time consuming than using a microwave.
Reheating on a skillet is the best option for chilled Naan but not for frozen. You need to pre-heat your skillet before putting in the Naan flatbread.
Put in the Naan after pre-heating the skillet and set the stove to medium heat. Flip over the bread after 15 seconds and do the same on the other side of the bread to ensure both sides are reheated fairly.
You can whip a butter on your skillet to add taste to your flatbread.
Oven
Using an oven to warm Naan bread is also easy-peasy but like the skillet, you need to pre-heat the oven.
Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat the oven for three minutes.
Prepare the baking pans or sheets. You can whip butter or oil on the pans to moisturize it.
Place the flatbread on the pan and you may drizzle the bread with water to moisturize it.
Leave it in the oven to warm for not more than 4 minutes.
You may also whip the top of bread with some butter to add flavor.
Adding Flavor To Your Naan Bread
When the Naan bread is frozen and thawed, it could become almost tasteless, so it is a good thing to enhance the flavor while reheating or warming it.
You are free to choose what flavor will suit your taste because there are various spices, herbs, and other flavorings you can top your Naan with.
Here is a list you can choose from:
- Garlic
- Ghee
- Mint
- Ginger
- Cilantro
- Red Chili Bits
- Black Sesame Seeds
- White Sesame Seeds
There could be other herbs and seasonings that is not on our list, but it does not mean you cannot try them on your bread. Even nut oils and butter will add good flavor to Naan.
I believe your choice of flavor will depend on what kind of dish you would like to pair it with.
How To Store Naan Bread
Naan bread will remain as if its newly baked depending solely on how you package and store it. Whether you baked it yourself or you bought it from the baker’s, they both need to be stored and packaged well.
So, how can you store it properly?
Keep the flatbread in a resealable plastic bags or tightly sealed food containers. You can also choose to wrap it individually using food wraps before putting it in the food container or freezer bag.
If packaged properly, it will remain best to consume for not more than 3 days while in the fridge.
If you opt to freeze it following our packaging instruction earlier in this article, it will be good for up to two months.
Remember also that it is better to thaw frozen Naan inside the chiller or fridge than letting it sit at room temperature. If left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it becomes a breeding ground for toxic bacteria or microorganisms specially if it has just been thawed.
The Different Types of Indian Bread
Naan is the most famous Indian bread in other countries because it is also the most advertised in restaurants and baker’s shops. Still there are other kinds of Indian bread comparable to Naan that we can enjoy. Here is what we recommend for you to try.
Chapati
This Indian flatbread is made from unleavened dough. Interestingly, stretching and slapping the dough is the technique they use to knead it, then it is shaped for frying. It tastes a little sweet and nutty compared to Naan. Indian usually eat it with curried and stewed dishes. It is also called by others as Roti, Shabaati, Safati, Roshi, or Phulka bread.
Parotta
Kerala Parotta or Malabar Parotta as they call it, is encrusted flatbread famous in Kerala. It is usually served for breakfast with some veggies and other stuffing. This bread contains pure carbohydrates and is made of maida flour which is said to be unhealthy specially to those with heart ailments.
Paratha
This is the crispiest flatbread that goes with Indian curries. Like other Indian traditional bread, this is baked in a Tava. After baking, it is then stuff with ghee filling. It is fried using a skillet to make it crispier. It appears a bit oily and flaky. It is also one of the most popular Indian unleavened bread.
Puri
The Puri bread is commonly served with a korma or chana masala in India. It appears crispy and golden because it is deep fried in oil. The dough used in making Puri is also unleavened.
Bhatura
Another variant of Indian deep-fried bread is Bhatura but this is made of leavened dough that is why it looks inflated or a bit fluffy. This bread is also one of India’s traditional breads for breakfast and is usually served with chickpea curry.
Bhakri
You can choose what you like best between the two kinds of Bhakri, the fried or oven baked. This bread is considered as a staple food in India specially by farmers. It is often served with rice and chutney and served in breakfast or dinner.
Naan Variants
Considering Naan as the famous unleavened bread known to people apart from Indians. This simple yet delectable flatbread can be served simply as it is, with other dishes or you can stuff it with your favorite filling.
There are also various recipes which are traditionally Indian you would like to try with your Naan flatbread, and they are:
Paneer Naan
This is a Naan flatbread stuffed with Indian cheese called Paneer. The cheese serves as the filling to flavor the bread.
Kulcha Naan
Kulcha bread is considered one of the best options for a vegan diet. Kulcha is a Naan bread filled with potatoes and onions instead of the common meaty stuffing.
Peshawar naan
The pastry kind of Naan which is served as a snack or as a desert. It is filled with raisins and various kinds of nuts.
Keema naan
A meaty variant of the Naan bread. This has ground lamb, goat or mutton as fillings and usually served as the main course in meals. It is also served with other spicy dishes and curry.
What we listed above are the traditional Indian way of preparing the Naan bread but conventionally, other cuisines were invented to make this flatbread even more appetizing. You can also make your own recipe to make this famous flatbread delectable.
Reheating Naan Bread
Storing and reheating your Naan flatbread is not really something to fuzz about. Just remember the techniques we shared with you in the article above and you are good to storing and warming this delightful flatbread.
Always keep in mind that packaging and storing the Naan flatbread determines its goodness after a few days in storage whether it is simply chilled or frozen.
Also never forget to leave the bread sitting at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid spoilage.
