How is the festive season going for you guys? I can feel it everywhere; shopping malls are always packed, halloween costumes are getting stitched and kids are all excited about the ‘treat or trick’; it’s the fun time of the year 🙂
A delicious meal doesn’t call for any celebration or festival but all celebrations or festivals calls for a delicious meal. This festive month, for the first time in my life, I have been cooking non-stop and enjoying every bit it. Few days back, I tried making Stuffed naan and kind of surprised myself with how perfect they came out!
When Chef Dennis asked me to do a guest post, I almost jumped from my chair! I am sure that you don’t need any introduction about this food blogger who is the Director of Dining Services at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, PA. In his blog A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis, he not only shares his delicious recipes but also talks about interesting topics related to blogging, like photography or blogging ethics.
There is a lot that we can learn from him and if you haven’t visited his blog yet, you should do it right away.
Chef Dennis left it on me to decide the dish and so I thought, why not share something from India and what better than a soft buttery naan. It’s one of our favorite and perfect for this season.
I never knew making naan was even possible at home until I started reading about it in the blogs. I was one silly person who was scared of working with yeast but over the time, we became friends. Now, they behave and work with the dough to rise it neatly and that makes my naan soft and delicious.
I didn’t learn making naan by myself. It’s my dear friend Soma at eCurry whose recipe makes my naan the way I like.
At the first attempt,naan may not come out perfect because it depends on what method you are using, like a stove top or oven. It also depends on the kind of stove top – a gas or an electric coil. Last but not the least, it also depends on the type of pan you are using to prepare the naans.
I have an electric stove top and it’s not the best option for naan but I have no choice. Baking it in oven somehow makes it hard and chewy. Over the period, I also learned that cast iron pan is the best option to make naan; it adds a nice char to it.
Coming to the stuffing I used, Aalu is Potato and Methi is Fenugreek. The combination of these two is my husband’s favorite and so, I thought of using it as a stuffing. Fenugreek is used a lot in Indian cuisines – either fresh or dried or seeds. It has a very strong flavor and it is easily available in any Indian Market.
The only tiring part is to tear off the leaves from the stems, but it can help you pass the time as you wait for the naan dough to rise 🙂
Stuffed naan is a meal on it’s own and you really don’t need any sides. You can serve it with some plain yogurt and butter or some Indian pickle. It’s warm, it’s hearty and it’s absolutely delicious!
It may not look absolutely authentic but it was delicious,buttery and super soft.
Aalu Methi Naan – Guest Post for Chef Dennis @ A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis
Ingredients
For the naan
- 3-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 4 tbs ghee/melted butter/oil
- 2 tbs water, for kneading
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 2-1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1-1/2 tsp sugar
For the stuffing
- 2 large or 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 3 cups fresh fenugreek leaves
- 1 tsp asafoetida
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp chilly powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- salt
- oil
Few more ingredients
- ghee or butter to rub on the Naan
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup cilantro, very finely chopped
Instructions
For the stuffing
- In a pan, heat 2 tbs oil and add asafoetida.
- Then, add the mashed potatoes, spices (cumin, chilly and coriander) and mix them properly.
- Add fenugreek leaves, season with some salt and cook for about 5 minutes in medium heat.
- Once done, set it aside and let it cool completely before you stuff it in the naan.
For the naan dough
- Put some warm water in a cup and add sugar and yeast. Cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes or until it's activated and forms a nice foam on top.
- Mix the flour, baking soda, salt, ghee (or butter or oil), yogurt and the activated yeast in a bowl.
- Start kneading and add the water. If required, add more water but make sure the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Continue kneading for another 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and can be easily stretched.
- Take another bowl and grease it with some oil. Place the dough in the bowl, rub little oil on top of the dough and cover it with a clear wrap.
- Keep it in the oven with the lights on. This will keep the dough warm and helps in rising.
- It will take about 3 hours for the dough to rise to double in size.
- Take the dough out on a flat surface and knead for few more minutes.
- Divide the dough in 7 equal parts, transfer it to a plate, cover it with a clear wrap and let it rest for another 40 minutes.
For the stuffed naan
- Take one portion of the dough and keep the rest covered (it's important or else the dough will become dry).
- Roll it out a little, place some of the stuffing inside, seal the sides and start rolling very gently.
- Don't roll it too thin or too thick.
- Sprinkle some sesame seeds and cilantro on top and give one last roll.
- Turn it over and brush some water very lightly (do not brush water on both the sides).
- Place the wet side down on the hot pan, cover it with a lid and bring the heat to medium. Since I use a electric stove top and it takes time to reduce the heat, I make sure that the heat is at medium all the time.
- Once you see some portion of the naan puffing up, sprinkle little bit of oil on the top and flip the naan.
- Stuffed Naan takes a little longer time to cook throughly. It took me about 4 minutes on each side at a medium heat.
- Once done, transfer it to a plate and keep it covered until you are done with the rest of the naans.
- Rub some butter on top and serve it hot.
Comments are closed.
sreelu
October 28, 2011 at 9:45 AMMy god this is gorgeous makes me drool no kidding and I have just had my breakfast. Love it
Shinta
October 28, 2011 at 9:48 AMWow, this looks sooooo good, I’m drooling over my keyboard. You have some serious talent, no wonder you’ve been featured on a chef’s blog, congrats!
a spoonful of yumm
October 28, 2011 at 9:51 AMwow….i love north indian food ! its my favorite. this naan looks so delicious
Aarthi
October 28, 2011 at 9:58 AMwow…perfect…my mouth is watering..
Grishma
October 28, 2011 at 10:10 AMloved loved loved the pictures and no need to say that I am drooling…Superlike it 🙂
Chef Dennis
October 28, 2011 at 10:14 AMwhat a delicious guest post Kankana! Thank you so much for all your hard work and your images are truly drool worthy!
have a happy weekend!
Dennis
Rosa
October 28, 2011 at 10:26 AMThose flatbreads look ever so scrumptious! An amazing recipe. Heading over to Chef Denis’ blog…
Cheers,
Rosa
Kitchen Belleicious
October 28, 2011 at 10:27 AMseriously, your recipes and dishes keep getting more amazing and beautiful! No wonder he wanted you to guest post- congrats on that honor girl- you deserve it. This looks divine! Simply savory and divine- now how do I get you to make this for me
chinmayie @ love food eat
October 28, 2011 at 10:31 AMMouthwatering!! havne’t had stuffed nan/parathas in a long time and it’s time to indulge in some 🙂
Melanie @ Melanie Cooks
October 28, 2011 at 11:08 AMI love naan! I always it too much naan when I go to Indian restaurants 🙂 Your naan looks gorgeous – better than any naan I’ve seen. I’d love to eat some!
[email protected]
October 28, 2011 at 11:17 AMyummm.. those naans are super droolicious!
Susie Bee on Maui
October 28, 2011 at 12:21 PMComing over from Chef Dennis’ site-thanks for sharing the recipe and technique.
Sobha Shyam
October 28, 2011 at 12:29 PMsuperb naans dear, wonderful filling..a great guest post !! Naans look so soft n perfect..
Reem | Simply Reem
October 28, 2011 at 1:11 PMLovely!!!!!
Kankana, I need this now with some yogurt and man I will eat like a happy monster………..
Beautiful girl.
Soma
October 28, 2011 at 1:27 PMThese are t die for Kankana:) So so good and all I need is on raita or pickle on the side. Thank you for the mention and i mean it 😀 hugs.
Vanessa
October 28, 2011 at 3:30 PMWow. I am bookmarking this right away. This looks so amazing!
Suzi
October 28, 2011 at 3:54 PMGreat recipe Kankana. I would like to try making this and I am going to try the Beetroot Patties this weekend. Wonderful post with Chef Dennis. Have a great weekend. I will let you know how the patties turn out. Thanks.
Jennifer (Delicieux)
October 28, 2011 at 4:48 PMYour naan looks fantastic Kankana!!! I love fresh naan, there is nothing better, and I love those photos, so beautiful.
Tanvi @ The Hathi Cooks
October 28, 2011 at 4:54 PMAwesome! I love love love methi, especially the fresh leaves! It’s so delicious. This looks fabulous!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
October 28, 2011 at 5:00 PMKankana, you do give me hope that I can maybe work with yeast one day too. I am exactly you several months ago (?) when you were still scared of using yeast. I’m always afraid if my dough will rise or not. I am nervous that I need to pay attention to the dough but I can’t abandon my kids yet so I’m just dreaming one day I can make homemade naan like this… Naan can be very dangerous food around me because unless someone take it away I’d be stuffing myself with naan so happily. I can only eat non-spicy Indian and while everyone is enjoying their spicy food, guess who’s eating everyone’s share of naan. 😉 I hope to go to Indian restaurant with you one day.. I bet South Bay has a lot of good options!
Candace
October 28, 2011 at 5:32 PMStuffed Naan? Seriously? I can only imagine how wonderful that must be. Congratulations on your guest posting!
Kalyani
October 28, 2011 at 7:42 PMdelicious and yummy naans ……
Kalyan
October 28, 2011 at 7:49 PMA sumptuous dish…the last pic really made my tongue rolling…could feel as if I’m just having it this moment…lovely mouthwatering preparation!
Radhika @ foodfor7stages
October 28, 2011 at 8:13 PMLikey Like. This is a beautiful post Kankana. I am in love with your pictures and that aloo methi naan.. Yummville
torviewtoronto
October 28, 2011 at 8:34 PMwill check out the post delicious looking flavours and meal
Sandra's Easy Cooking
October 28, 2011 at 9:46 PMVery well done girl..you really never disappoint! This looks soooo so so good!)) yum!
Tiffany
October 29, 2011 at 12:58 AMKankana, this looks AMAZING! Stuffed naan is so good… and your photos are STUNNING!
Krithi
October 29, 2011 at 1:37 AMDeliciously divine dear.. love the stuffing..
Krithi’s Kitchen
Event: Serve It – Festival Potluck
mustardseed
October 29, 2011 at 5:51 AMAbsolutely delicious looking naan! Perfect for the wet and snowy weather around here in October!
Sissi
October 29, 2011 at 10:21 AMI am too addicted to naans whenever I go to a restaurant, so I try not to think about the home-made ones possibility. I once tried making naans, but they were not half as good as in my restaurant and probably 100x worse than yours.
sally
October 29, 2011 at 10:24 AMYUM! Naan is on my list of things to try, so I am bookmarking this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing.
[email protected] kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
October 29, 2011 at 2:12 PMI just jumped here from Chef Dennis’ site where you did a beautiful post about the stuffed Naan. My hubby and I do love Naan and I am still trying to find a perfect recipe. It seems the first time we made it was the best (or maybe it was in our heads), but stuffing it seems wonderful. I shall try this when we return from holiday.
Simone
October 29, 2011 at 2:35 PMIt looks authentic enough to me! I have never tried to make naan myself at home but I totally love it so maybe it is time to let go of the fear and make this delicious bread myself. Yours looks totally gorgeous!
Ann
October 29, 2011 at 6:32 PMCongratulations on making Top 9…this is a terrific recipe!
Swathi
October 30, 2011 at 9:52 AMAalu methi naan looks delicious,nice guest post.
Aldy @ Al Dente Gourmet
October 30, 2011 at 2:31 PMCongrats on the guest post! I just love your beautiful naan bread…it looks totally gorgeous. I want a bite 🙂 This is making me drool– Beautiful pics!
HUGS <3
Katherine Martinelli
October 30, 2011 at 3:29 PMWow, this stuffed naan looks just perfect! I can’t wait to try. Heading over to check out the guest post now 😀
athena
October 30, 2011 at 6:36 PMI’m afraid of working with yeast so it may be a while longer before I’m adventurous to attempt stuffed naan… but yours looks positively yummy! I think I’d really like it. Happy Halloween, Kankana!
My Wandering Spoon
October 31, 2011 at 12:08 AMWow, amazing naan, wonderful:)
Kala
October 31, 2011 at 1:34 AMI love Naan bread. These photos look so scrumptious.
Jay
October 31, 2011 at 5:24 AMabsolutely mouthwatery…lovely presentation dear..;)
Tasty Appetite
Joanne
October 31, 2011 at 5:27 AMI LOVE naan but can’t believe I haven’t attempted it at home yet! Craziness! This stuffing sounds completely and utterly delicious. What gorgeous photos!
Roxana GreenGirl
October 31, 2011 at 7:32 AMI love making bread but making naan always seems to be a problem. I love it and always but some from the bakery! It’s so so delicious. Going to try your version Kankana. Fingers crossed it turns out well!
Thanks for sharing and Happy Halloween!
Charles
October 31, 2011 at 10:35 AMI have a real weak spot for naans – They make them with cheese inside in France and they’re just incredibly good. Can’t wait to give these a try – they look fabulous!
Sandhya
October 31, 2011 at 12:25 PMThese have come out soo beautifully… I m still one of the kinds existing who is scared to try Nan at home… May be this can be an ignition to my trial….
Thank you for dropping by my space…
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
October 31, 2011 at 12:28 PMDelicious yaar! So drool-worthy 😉
Juliana
October 31, 2011 at 1:32 PMNice guest post Kankana…the naan looks fantastic and the pictures are awesome.
Hope you both have a wonderful week ahead 🙂
sarah
October 31, 2011 at 2:45 PMyum! love this idea- heading over to check out the recipe now 🙂
Manu
October 31, 2011 at 6:22 PMThat is some fantastic looking naan my dear! I have been wanting to make naan at home since forever, but never saw a recipe that convinced me a 100%. Now I have it… I love aalu naans and the addition of fresh methi makes even more delicious! Great job!
Divya
October 31, 2011 at 7:35 PMKankana, these look drool-worthy! I really enjoy naan, but have never had it stuffed with aloo methi before. It’s the perfect blend of a parantha and a naan. Love your creativity. Off to Chef Dennis’s blog to check out the full recipe…
Ira Rodrigues
October 31, 2011 at 8:08 PMi definitely have a happy and spooky but safe Halloween accompany with your naan 🙂
they are really looks yummy
Tadka Pasta
October 31, 2011 at 9:59 PMGorgeous naans! Just superb, Kankana!
Baker Street
October 31, 2011 at 10:09 PMaloo methi paratha is one of my favorites. its like comfort food. specially if its topped with a dollop of butter.
Raji
October 31, 2011 at 11:06 PMI have never made naan at home but love to have it at restaurants…your pictures have tempted me a lot to make these soon.
[email protected]
November 1, 2011 at 4:01 AMYou makes me drool . looks so good and what a tempting and beautiful pics
Parsley Sage
November 1, 2011 at 6:48 AMI’ve been blogging for a year and I’m still terrified of yeast 🙂 Your naan turned out beautifully! Pretty much perfect
Purabi Naha
November 1, 2011 at 8:40 AMI can really imagine the taste of this naan…so fulfilling! Loved the stuffing. I agree with you that oven makes a naan very hard. I prefer a stove-top too!
Shabs
November 1, 2011 at 12:02 PMOh My God !!! I am literally drooling here Kankana , The nan has turned out perfect . I just love stuffed nans and I too cook mine on the stove top , it is easier . All these pics are making me hungry *slurp* .
tigerfish
November 1, 2011 at 12:39 PMI do have some trouble finding fresh fenugreek leaves 🙁
The aloo methi naan sounds yummy!
Kankana Saxena
November 1, 2011 at 12:53 PMHey, I sent you twp Indian stores name where you can find it easily 🙂
Sukanya
November 1, 2011 at 1:51 PMabsolutely awesome bharwan naan..loved it and I love the flavour of methi in it, be it kasoori methi or the fresh one that you have used.
Biana | Simple and Tasty Recipes
November 1, 2011 at 2:23 PMWow, these are wonderful pictures! I love naan and other flatbreads, so thank you for sharing the pictures and recipe.
Urmi
November 1, 2011 at 6:57 PMNaan looks yummilicious, tempting and mouth watering. Fabulous presentation.
christine
November 2, 2011 at 1:31 AMreally great post and beautiful pics. want definitely to try the naan !!!
thanks for sharing Kankana 😉
Malli
November 2, 2011 at 10:28 AMKankana,
Congratulations on your guest post…. Naans are awesome especially the way you have presented them is attractive! A must make for me:)
lisaiscooking
November 2, 2011 at 1:41 PMLooks so delicious! I’d love to try making naan especially a stuffed version.
Manju
November 2, 2011 at 4:25 PMthe yeast fear is there here too. I try and stay away from making doughs with yeast! hope to get over that fear someday..delicious looking naans! I already saw and “liked” them on facebook when you posted but got around to reading the post only now! 🙂
Nash at plateful
November 2, 2011 at 9:04 PMOh sweetness, guess post at Chef Dennis!?? Wow, oh wow! Way to go girlie…you make us all proud! This naan is a stunner, so are all your pictures. Amazing!
Julie M.
November 3, 2011 at 6:28 AMThat naan looks amazing! Nice job. Love Chef Dennis as well, congrats on the feature!
Sarah Naveen
November 3, 2011 at 7:56 AMDarls , I adore your pictures!!! ooh!!!
skip to malou
November 3, 2011 at 8:19 AMwow what a thrill for you to guest blog with chef dennis’ blog. i would be as excited as you are too.
i am intimidated (just like with a lot of things hehe) baking or using yeast but you gave me the inspiration to do so. and Naan? yeah who would have thought that it could be made at home? this post reminds me of my best friend Nimmi in Florida who I miss terribly. She used to serve us Naan and promised to teach me how to do it… but that day never came as we moved to Socal. But she said she’s visiting me in the Spring so i would delight her with my homemade naan stuffed with all these goodness when she comes.
Kavita
November 10, 2011 at 11:56 AMKankana !!!What a pretty name and what a lovely couple the two of you make:)I read your guest post on Methi aloo naan on Chef Dennis’s blog and I am so happy to sign up for your recipes-I am wondering where is the followers tab…???? I am also going through your other posts,and I must say you have some winning recipes along with excellent pictures,look forward to more stuff from you:)Thanks!!!
[email protected] in disguise
November 18, 2011 at 11:21 AMThat is AMAZING!
I love all the info about naan. I have recently been having an affair with naan and I can’t wait to try this recipe