
Making perfect homemade naans is a game-changer, and it all starts with the right equipment - a naan tandoori oven.
A naan tandoori oven can reach extremely high temperatures, up to 900°F, which is essential for cooking naans quickly and evenly.
With a naan tandoori oven, you can achieve that perfect char on the outside and softness on the inside that authentic Indian restaurants are known for.
Naan tandoori ovens are designed to mimic the traditional clay ovens used in India, where naans are cooked to perfection in a matter of seconds.
Preparing Naan
To prepare naan, you can use either instant naan dough recipe or more authentic dough with yeast.
Using instant naan dough recipe is a convenient option, but if you want a more traditional taste, yeast-based dough is the way to go.
For this recipe, I used naan dough with yeast, which I've included in the recipe card below.
If you're interested in seeing step-by-step photos of the dough preparation, you can find them by following the link provided.
Tandoor Oven
So, you're interested in using a tandoor oven to cook delicious naan bread? First, you'll need to heat it up to the right temperature. For a large tandoor, that's around 315c, but no hotter than 330c.
You'll want to get a laser thermometer to check the heat of the tandoor walls. It's a good investment, trust me. I have a large gas fuelled tandoor inside and a smaller charcoal burning tandoor outside, and a thermometer makes a big difference.
To bake naan in your tandoor, the temperature should be a scorching 550 degrees. Use that laser thermometer to check the temperature before you start.
You can cook naan in your tandoor by flattening each ball with your hands and stretching the top into a traditional naan teardrop shape.
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Naan Baking
To prepare the dough for tandoori naans, you can use either an instant naan dough recipe or a more authentic dough with yeast, both of which have step-by-step photos to guide you.
The yeast-based dough is a great option, and I've included the recipe in the recipe card below.
To achieve a traditional naan teardrop shape, simply flatten each ball of dough with your hands and stretch the top into the desired shape.
You'll want to check the tandoor temperature with a laser thermometer to ensure it reaches 550 degrees for optimal cooking.
Slapping the naan into the tandoor is a crucial step - aim for an L-shape, with the naan at the top and your hand at the bottom, and avoid swinging your hand back to get a better slap.
Step-by-Step Photos
Baking naans is an art that requires precision and patience. The key to perfectly baked naans is to cook them in a tandoor.
The tandoor walls are hot enough to cook the naans when they can be easily removed. This is a clear indication that the naans are ready.
You'll know the naans are done when they come off the tandoor walls easily. This is a crucial step in the baking process that requires attention to detail.
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Baking Naan
To bake naan, you need to achieve a tandoor temperature of 550 degrees, which can be checked with a laser thermometer.
Flatten each ball of dough with your hands and stretch the top into a traditional naan teardrop shape.
The naans will come off the tandoor walls easily when they are ready.
To put the naan in the tandoor, quickly slap it to the side in an L shape, with the naan down as the top of the L and the slap as the bottom.
Don't swing your hand back to get a better slap, as this will make you more likely to lose the naan into the fire.
The naan will not cook evenly if you don't slap it quickly.
You can use either instant naan dough or dough with yeast, both of which will produce great results.
The instant naan dough is closer to what you would find at curry houses and can be prepared in about 30 minutes.
The dough with yeast will produce fluffier naans.
Both doughs will produce great results, with the instant dough producing crispier, yet still fluffy naans.
Tandoor Safety and Equipment
You'll need long, heat-proof gloves to protect your hands from the extreme heat of the tandoor oven. It's a must-have to avoid burns.
The tandoor oven is extremely hot, so be careful not to get too close. You can lose some hair or even an eyebrow if you get your face too close.
A naan poker and scraper are also essential tools for cooking tandoor naans. They usually come with the tandoor oven, but you can purchase them online if not.
Home Tandoor
If you're planning to get a home tandoor, you'll want to consider the equipment that comes with it. The Home Tandoor package includes several essential items.
The package includes an authentic Indian Tandoori Oven, which is the centerpiece of your tandoor baking experience. You'll also receive 10 Skewers, perfect for grilling meats and vegetables.
A Gadhi, or cushion for bread, is also included in the package. This is a must-have for traditional tandoor cooking, as it allows you to shape and hold your naan bread.
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For safety, you'll also receive a Mouth Cover to protect yourself from the high temperatures inside the tandoor. And to keep your tandoor clean and dust-free, the package includes a Canvas Cover (Model 201).
If you're considering purchasing a Home Tandoor, be prepared to spend between $699.00 and $1649.00, depending on the specific package and options you choose.
Tandoor Safety
The tandoor can be extremely hot, so be careful not to get too close, or you might lose some hair or an eyebrow.
You can easily get burned if you're not careful, so it's essential to keep a safe distance.
The walls of the tandoor are there to protect you, so don't worry about looking in; just look straight ahead.
To safely place naan into the oven, use a gloved hand and slide it in without looking into the tandoor.
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Equipment Needed for Tandoori Cooking?
You'll need long, heat proof gloves to protect your hands from the intense heat of the tandoor oven. I've learned from experience that it's not worth the risk of burns to skip this essential item.
A naan poker and scraper are also crucial for tandoor cooking. These tools usually come with your tandoor oven, but if not, you can easily purchase them online.
Naan and Indian Bread
Naan is a type of leavened flatbread that originates from the Indian subcontinent.
It's traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a distinctive char and flavor.
Naan is often served with a variety of curries and stews, and it's also great with dips and spreads.
There are many different types of naan, including garlic naan, butter naan, and keema naan.
Each type of naan has its own unique flavor and texture, and they're all delicious in their own way.
Naan is a staple food in many Indian households, and it's often served at special occasions and celebrations.
In fact, naan is such an important part of Indian cuisine that it's even been recognized as a symbol of Indian culture.
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