Thursday’s Side Dish: Naan

Another ethnic bread to chew on
Have you sampled naan? This soft, leavened, flat bread is popular in India, many Middle Eastern countries, and areas of Asia. The word naan (aka nan and nang in China) has become a generic term for various flat breads around the world. Traditional naan is usually baked in a Tandoor or earthen oven. Milk or yogurt may be added to the naan dough to thicken the bread. The dough is prepared and then flattened before placing in the hot oven. Naan resembles pita bread. The flat bread pieces are convenient for scooping food items, dipping in sauces, or stuffing with filling. It’s usually served hot and brushed with melted butter. The Mixed Stew found naan in the bakery department of Giant ($2.99). We recommend giving naan a little time to heat up just like toast in a toaster oven to bring out the bread’s flavor.