This Sourdough Discard Naan Bread is a fun and tasty way to use up leftover sourdough starter! Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for dipping or enjoying with your favorite meals.
I love making naan to go alongside curries, but let’s face it—I sometimes eat it straight off the pan! Just mix, roll, and cook, and voila! It’s that easy to make a delicious bread at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your naan. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. Just note that it may change the texture a bit, making it denser.
Sourdough Discard: This recipe calls for unfed sourdough starter. If you don’t have any, you can use regular yogurt (increase the amount slightly) or even applesauce for a hint of sweetness!
Yogurt: Plain yogurt adds moisture and tang. If you need a dairy-free version, go for unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Both work well!
Olive Oil: This adds richness, but you can substitute with melted butter or ghee for a more traditional taste. Coconut oil is also a great vegan option.
Garlic and Herbs: Adding these is a personal touch I love! Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can amp up the flavor. For garlic lovers, minced garlic mixed into the dough is fantastic!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Naan Texture?
The secret to perfect naan lies in the kneading and resting of the dough. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten, giving the naan its wonderful texture. Don’t rush this step!
- After kneading, allow the dough to rest covered. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
- When rolling out the dough, keep it on a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking.
- Cook the naan on medium-high heat to achieve those lovely charred spots that add flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook one or two at a time for the best results!
Following these tips will help you create naan that turns out soft and full of flavor every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Naan Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Flavor Additions:
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious naan bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 30 minutes for resting. Cooking each naan will take only about 3-4 minutes. So in under an hour, you can enjoy fresh, fluffy naan right at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix them together gently to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the sourdough discard, yogurt, and olive oil to the dry mixture. Stir it all together until you get a soft dough. It should feel a bit sticky but still workable.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, just sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
4. Let It Rest:
Once the dough is ready, place it in a clean bowl that you’ve lightly oiled. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out.
5. Shape the Naan:
After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into an oval or round shape about 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface.
6. Heat the Pan:
Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Cook the Naan:
Place one flattened naan onto the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely as bubbles will start to form. Once you see golden brown spots forming on the bottom, flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until browned.
8. Repeat:
Remove the cooked naan from the pan and set it aside. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining dough, adding more oil if necessary between each naan.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, brush the warm naan with melted butter or garlic butter and sprinkle with your favorite chopped herbs to enhance the flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soft, fluffy sourdough naan warm with your favorite curries, dips, or use it as a delicious wrap. Enjoy every bite!
You’re all set to impress your friends and family with homemade naan that’s sure to please! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour for This Recipe?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour, but it might result in denser naan. If you do, consider adding a bit more water to the dough to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Naan?
Store any leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and the butter with a vegan margarine or leave it off altogether. The naan will still turn out delicious!
What Should I Serve with the Naan?
This naan pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes! It’s great alongside curries, soups, or stews. You can also use it as a wrap for kebabs, grilled veggies, or your favorite dips like hummus or tzatziki.
