What Is Naan Flour And How Can I Use It?

Naan flour, also known as maida flour, is a finely milled wheat flour commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made from high-protein wheat, resulting in a dough that is strong and elastic, perfect for creating the chewy and pliable texture of naan bread. Naan flour is widely available in Indian grocery stores and can also be found in some specialty food stores.

Properties of Naan Flour

• High protein content: The high protein content in naan flour contributes to the formation of gluten, which gives naan bread its signature elasticity and chewiness.
• Fine texture: Naan flour is finely milled, resulting in a smooth and even dough that is easy to work with.
• Light color: Naan flour has a light color, which gives naan bread its characteristic golden-brown hue.
• Neutral flavor: Naan flour has a neutral flavor, allowing it to pair well with a variety of toppings and fillings.

Benefits of Using Naan Flour

• Authentic taste: Naan flour is the traditional flour used to make naan bread, ensuring an authentic Indian flavor and texture.
• Versatile: Naan flour can also be used to make other Indian breads such as paratha and roti.
• Easy to work with: The fine texture and high protein content of naan flour make it easy to handle and shape into various forms.
• Widely available: Naan flour is readily available in Indian grocery stores and some specialty food stores.

How to Use Naan Flour

To make naan bread using naan flour:

1. Combine naan flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
2. Knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
3. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
4. Divide the dough into balls and roll out into thin ovals.
5. Cook the naan on a hot griddle or tawa until golden brown.

Different Types of Naan Flour

There are several different types of naan flour available, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Refined naan flour: This is the most common type of naan flour and is made from highly refined wheat flour. It produces a light and fluffy naan bread.
• Whole wheat naan flour: This type of naan flour is made from whole wheat flour and is higher in fiber and nutrients than refined naan flour. It produces a denser and more flavorful naan bread.
• Atta flour: Atta flour is a type of whole wheat flour that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It is slightly coarser than whole wheat naan flour and produces a more rustic and traditional naan bread.

Substitutes for Naan Flour

If naan flour is not available, you can substitute it with:

• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour has a lower protein content than naan flour, so the resulting naan bread may be less chewy.
• Bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than naan flour, so the resulting naan bread may be too dense.
• Chapati flour: Chapati flour is a type of whole wheat flour that is similar to naan flour. It can be used as a substitute for naan flour, but the resulting naan bread may be slightly denser.

What You Need to Learn

What is the difference between naan flour and all-purpose flour?
Naan flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives naan bread its signature chewy texture.

Can I use naan flour to make other types of bread?
Yes, naan flour can also be used to make other types of Indian breads such as paratha and roti.

Where can I find naan flour?
Naan flour is widely available in Indian grocery stores and some specialty food stores.

Can I substitute naan flour with other types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute naan flour with all-purpose flour, bread flour, or chapati flour. However, the resulting naan bread may have a slightly different texture.